To the editor:

So many of us had thought our nation was in better hands a few years back.

Hope and change was not my choice, but I had hoped for its new flavor of openness and honest debate.

Unfortunately we have never seen it so bad; marriage debate has divided us with animosity and vitriolic attacks, the legalization of pot has mocked the war on drugs and has made us forget the concern should have always been with the youth. This takes reform, not just legalizing our problems away in a cloud of denial.

Vote for James Olsen for the 23rd District.

He will promote funding education first as our Constitution says. He understands the private sector pays for government, the government needs to tighten its belt for the private sector to grow.

He is a candidate speaking about reform, not just keep doing what we are doing as his opponent supports. Tax reform is needed. Time for hope and change for the people in this state, not just the rhetoric that passes for politics these days.

Be bold, vote for a Republican for a change.

MICK SHELDON

Kingston