When I accepted the vocation of ordained ministry I gave up some lucrative opportunities and worldly pleasures. I did not forsake my First Amendment rights. Instead I have continued to exercise my freedom of speech in light of the Ninth Commandment that instructs us to be truthful. We are not to bear false witness. This mandate applies to everything we communicate, including our positions in elections of consequence.
In the course of my life and ministry I have encountered all sorts of individuals who express all manner of opinions. What we think and believe is every bit as important as whether we vote. Engaging in public discourse while striving to establish an atmosphere of good faith includes the application of reason, information and facts that pertain to municipal matters.
Partisan affiliation and ideological views become toxic when they are awash in falsehoods and bathed in bigotry. It does not have to be that way in the town of Oro Valley. We have an extraordinary opportunity to retain proven leaders on the Town Council. The election is nonpartisan. The issues are not driven by ideology. We are not burdened with the degree of false information and inflamed rhetoric that permeates state and national elections.
Oro Valley residents enjoy a variety of means to learn what is going on and to express our views on matters of record. We are provided an abundance of information from reliable sources. Ballots are mailed to registered voters in advance of each election. This process affords everyone time to engage in dialogue that nurtures understanding and leads to preferred choices.
Since 2010 Oro Valley voters have elected a majority of office seekers who exemplify integrity and demonstrate courage. They have set aside partisan and ideological considerations while acting to better our quality of life. Throughout the tenure of the mayor, vice mayor and the two council members seeking re-election, Oro Valley has become a town made remarkable by all that it delivers for residents and others.
Voters who overcome the inertia of relying on unsubstantiated gossip make it possible for our community to benefit from the experience of leaders who are engaged in a good-faith effort to govern. Some effort is required on our part to see clearly through the fog of deceptions intended to confuse and undermine the electorate. Those who argued that Oro Valley was divided now complain that a collegial council is working together. The responsibility of voters includes not falling prey to misleading memes and mantras.
The incumbents on the 2018 ballot have carried as many as 14 of the 15 precincts in recent elections. In the recall election of 2015, every one of them earned a majority of the vote. During that era of contentious behavior and political calculation, these seasoned candidates managed to govern in a competent, successful and forthright manner. The Oro Valley primary election on Aug. 28 is winner-take-all, so it will determine the candidates who will serve four-year terms.
The members of the Town Council are capable, caring and independent in their thinking. They are intentional about creating a comprehensive and sustainable economy without instituting a property tax. Appreciative and knowledgable participants will make it possible for everyone to benefit from the services and settings provided in and by the town of Oro Valley.
