Letter to the Editor: Half-truths, out-of-context statements, distorting records is go-to strategy of Troup campaign

My political heroes are Ronald Reagan, my Commander in Chief while in the military, and Theodore Roosevelt, “The Man in the Arena.” Their vision and passion for our country is an inspiration to me.

They inspired me to love the American political process. To me our elections are the most profound statement of what it means to be American and have a voice in who governs us. I love campaigns and discussing issues, candidates’ vision, the candidates’ record in public office, if any, and leadership style with those seeking office. I have a special interest in local candidates and campaigns. After all, the most impactful elections are local.

I was honored to be elected as a Republican to the Quincy City Council four times. I ran for mayor in 2021 on the Republican ticket, losing a close primary to the current mayor. I have worked on numerous campaigns over the years at various levels, mostly for Republican candidates but also on two independent candidate campaigns as well. My criteria for supporting a candidate has always been their policy, fiscal philosophy, performance in the position, or one like it, leadership and vision. That criteria has not and will not change.

I understand that politics is not for the faint of heart, and I am not naive. I understand winning is important, or why run? However, I am saddened that recent city elections for mayor, including my race in 2021, the recent Republican primary with Dan Brink and the race taking place right now, seem to be more about the incumbent mayor’s campaign spending the majority of their effort to make their opponents look bad or collect “gotcha” moments.

I question what about an incumbent candidate’s record, policy, leadership style or their performance in the office makes them focus so hard on their opponent. I would think an incumbent mayor would have confidence and pride in their record for that to be enough to make their case for reelection. It troubles me that half-truths, out-of-context statements, distorting their record and that of their opponent is the go-to strategy of the Troup campaign team.

In the elections of the past, we worked hard for our candidate of choice. We pointed out differences with passion, and we were tough. However, there was a line that we, and those with which we competed, did not cross. That line has been erased recently, and we, and more importantly the electorate, is worse off for it. It is hard to compare records and vision when there is so much noise being put out by one campaign. Noise that has nothing to do with being mayor of Quincy.

It just makes me wonder: Why?

I would suggest that all voters in the city elections take a hard look at the campaign materials, the record, the message, the vision, the fiscal policy, the leadership style and the resume of the two candidates for mayor. Filter out the noise and honestly ask yourself who is the best choice for Quincy now and for our future. I have served on boards or in city government with both mayoral candidates.

I would also suggest that when the criteria I mention is applied to this election, Linda Moore is the clear choice for all of Quincy. Quincy is us!

Paul Havermale
Quincy, Illinois