Test

This morning I met a woman from the ward who asked my opinion on a national issue. During the discussion we both realized that our opinions largely matched with some discrepancies about the details. As the conversation wrapped up she stated that if I would change my stance that I could place a sign in her yard.

I believe that when an elected official changes his/her mind or vote on an issue in the light of new information that official gains respect when he/she acknowledges that a previous vote or stance may have been wrong. I feel the exact opposite is true when that same official flip-flops on issues for the sake of garnering public support or votes during an upcoming election.

As I told her that I could not change my opinion I realized that I may have just lost a vote and even the vote of her friends and neighbors. Though the realization of knowing that in a close election her vote could be the one that separates me from the rest of the field, I could not sell out.

If a person allows his/her perspective to change in order to gain a vote that officials true intentions for engaging in the political arena must be questioned. Are our local elected officials engaging in campaigns for reelection for self gratification and self worth in holding a public office, or are they doing so with the best interests of the City of Davenport in mind?

I hold my stance on the issues that I speak of on this page and on my website because I truly believe that what I am doing is right. I have no intentions of losing this election, however, if I do, I will at least be able to sleep with a clear conscience at night.

Shawn Hamerlinck