Encourage people to run, not discourage them with false claims

Have you ever wondered why so many good citizens don’t run for office? One of the reasons they don’t run is due to the vitriolic hate, false accusations, and dirty politics they will face from people who do not want to see them in office. Rather than debate the issues, they do anything they can to destroy candidates who are running to help improve their communities.

Jacque Guinan is a good person who is running for Sandpoint City Council in order to bring critical thinking, common sense, and fiscal responsibility to this great city. Unfortunately, Jacque has been slandered in at least one letter to the editor, accused of not living in the city limits, and falsely accused of other innocuous events.

In one case, someone actually filed a police report about Jacque’s residency, even though she had been certified by the county clerk! The Sandpoint Police conducted a thorough investigation and completely exonerated Jacque. The investigation included a site visit to Jacque’s home, and contacting her neighbors. Would you like to be subjected to that type of intrusive and embarrassing investigation, merely because you tossed your hat in the ring?

It’s high time we stop the harassment of our political candidates, and debate the issues instead of destroying good people who are volunteering to better their communities. Let’s encourage good citizens to run for office, not discourage them with lies and false accusations.

JIM KELLY

Laclede