Moses Lake deserves better discourse

I have read the recent editorials and letters to the editor concerning our City Council races, and I am dismayed at the level of discourse concerning the election. The vast bulk of what poses as legitimate debate fails to rise above the level of character assassination. Our community deserves better. We deserve to hear how the candidates propose to address the issues that face us. We deserve to hear each candidate’s vision for Moses Lake.

I am also concerned about how the lack of meaningful debate looks to those who contemplate visiting to enjoy our recreational opportunities, or those who seek to relocate to our community for work or retirement. The present tone of the campaign presents a picture to these people that is less than reassuring or welcoming than l would like.

Finally, while I believe it to be important that all persons be free to express their views, it is plain to me that some of the letters published by the paper are written by people who are not even residents of our community. Perhaps their comments should be directed toward the issues impacting their community and not ours.

I think we all can do better, and I advocate that we do so. Thank you for the opportunity to express my viewpoint.

Mike Norman

Moses Lake