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If you are still undecided about who you will vote for on Nov. 5, here’s something to consider: Which candidates for office have the best character to lead? Each of us has different views on key issues such as jobs, the economy, women’s right to choose, Jan. 6, immigration and others. These all matter, but I think the most important thing at this moment in our history — when we seem to struggle so much to work together despite our differences — is the character of the men and women we elect to public office.
Some years ago, I participated in Leadership Maine, a nine-month program that aims to develop Maine’s future leaders from all sectors and regions of the state. Among our teachers was now-U.S. Sen. Angus King. Together, we studied the attributes of great leaders and came up with the following essential qualities:
Trustworthiness. Honesty and integrity. A strong moral and ethical base. Smart, effective, competent and pragmatic. Strength and resiliency. The ability to listen to and respect people, even if they disagree. Putting others first, not their own ambition. Exercising self-discipline and a willingness to be accountable.
As you head to the polls, I hope you will join me in voting for candidates who embody these qualities and will help restore to our politics a spirit of civic-mindedness and working together. Then vote!
Roy Hitchings
Camden
