In today’s highly polarized political atmosphere, we are often asked to support candidates simply because of their party. Party affiliation is important because it gives the voter a general understanding of each candidate’s basic values.
However, there are times when our elected leaders must put other considerations above strict party dogma. When such instances occur, we are given valuable insight into much more important personal qualities. These include honesty, integrity and character.
An editorial (Herald, April 16, 2015) is instructive. The editorial’s headline was “Procedural purity; Brown right to shoot down attempt at circumventing committee vote.” The issue concerned a measure to limit ammunition magazine capacity to 15 rounds passed by the Legislature in 2013. A motion made was by a fellow Republican to amend the House Journal and repeal the magazine ban. The motion was clearly inappropriate and contrary to standing House rules.
Brown, who opposed the gun law, felt morally obligated to vote against his party and the measure. Here are some quotes from the Herald editorial: “Brown’s Wednesday vote against a Republican colleague’s attempt to force a floor vote repealing the magazine ban was both courageous and appreciated.” “Brown, however, took the high road when he need not have.” “Brown bucked his political interests in favor of procedural purity. He deserves praise for doing so.” “Brown took an admirable stand.”
Such strong praise for a Republican from the Herald is not an everyday event, and underlines the premise of this letter. General values and beliefs are important, but blind adherence to ideology that ignores well established rules of procedure and fairness become a true test of integrity and character.
Brown brings vast experience in many areas that must be addressed by the Legislature, a history of serious solutions to diverse problems, and a reputation of being extremely well prepared for all issues that are brought before him. These all are coupled with the most important reasons to vote for J. Paul Brown: honesty, integrity and character.
Bill Plested
Bayfield
