“Think while it’s still legal” is the text on a political sign alongside a local road. I can’t say what the person in that house thinks about, but their sign has made me contemplate the upcoming election and the choices I have to make for national, state and local offices.

Here’s what I’m thinking about. I’m thinking about leaders who choose informed advisors with knowledge and experience to support policies and decisions, who support economic policies that deal directly with the needs of the middle class with a goal to grow the stability of our economy. I’m thinking about leaders who develop policy plans to address important topics such as health care, housing, child care and education, ones who believe that government should provide assistance during natural disasters (such as the recent hurricane) and times of need.

I’m thinking about leaders who bring calm to decision-making, respect to interactions, who understand the value of diverse perspectives and will work to create new solutions to ongoing problems.When my children were young, they often wanted to know if I had voted for “the winner.” I would respond that I voted for the person I thought would do the best job. This November, I will be voting for Democratic candidates on the local, state and national levels. I ask that you think through your choices so you can justify who you voted for and why. What will you tell the children of the future about your vote?

Dorothy Bauer

Antrim