5/9/2008

Corey is 'breath of fresh air'

Just when I think Ron Littlepage has seen the light, he writes a column that is truly baffling.

That was the case when he suggested that Angela Corey has blown her chances to win by not asking "one of her friends to qualify at the last minute as a write-in candidate" (thus denying Democrats the opportunity to vote for their favorite Democrat turned Republican - Jay Plotkin).

Indeed, numerous friends and advisers urged and implored Corey to do just that: Get someone to qualify at the last minute as a Democrat in order to neutralize the Harry Shorstein supporters who would love to see Plotkin carry on the timid legacy that Shorstein leaves behind.

If Corey had done what was politically expedient and followed this strategy, Littlepage and others would have crucified her for disenfranchising thousands of registered Democrats by using dirty tricks to rob them of their right to vote.

Instead, she stood her ground and refused to approve or authorize this tactic.

She said that utilizing such an approach would make her no better than her opponent.

Corey chose to place her faith (and fate) in the hands of the voters. She thinks they will make the right choice, no matter how many are allowed to vote.

She said, "If I hope to represent all of the people, regardless of their party affiliation, why would I want to deny any of them a chance to cast a ballot?"

What a breath of fresh air in the usually ugly world of local politics. It's nice to find a candidate who puts ethics, morals and integrity ahead of the usual strategy of "winning at any cost."

Instead of ridiculing her actions as foolish and naive, Littlepage should commend Corey for raising the standards for other candidates to follow.

MIKE BOYLE
Amelia Island

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/051008/opl_277430646.shtml