As a retired American government teacher, I encounter former students who ask for my thoughts on events or personalities in the political news. Lately, most ask for thoughts about various candidates.
As in the classroom, I often answer with questions, starting with "What do you want to see in a candidate?"
I share my questions as well. First, we have a complex form of government, so I ask whether the candidate truly understands what the office actually is responsible for — are its responsibilities local, state or national, and is it legislative of executive?
I also ask about an individual's character traits and skills, not just moral positives but also problem-solving and group-interaction skills.
Most important to me, does the candidate appear to be locked into one party's set of answers? In our democratic society, I believe each elected official must function as one person with a larger group, all of whom must be able to see multiple sides of arguments in order to reach solutions that provide the greatest good for the greatest number.
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After all, once in office, this person represents all constituents, not only those in his or her party.
This year, I have a candidate who I believe measures up to those standards. Duane Sauke is on the ballot for Minnesota House District 25B, and I recommend him.
Dallas Glaser
Rochester
