NEWS

Dems supported To the editor: Watching the Monroe County Farm Bureau sponsored candidate forum, I was astonished by Andy Dodds' outburst belittling Democrat candidates. I expect such ad hominem attacks at partisan fundraisers, but not at public candidate forums. Such incivility is the arena of Republican politicos whose allegiance lies solely with their party — and its economic backers — rather than the entire community they feign to represent. It is quite apparent that their definition of the Monroe County "community" is limited to those who share a desire to exploit the county and its quality of life for the benefit of a few developers and their minions. According to this Dodds Doctrine, supported by the Republican council candidates, full citizenship rights appear to be confined to business owners – particularly regarding eligibility for the Monroe County Council. Musicians, teachers, nurses, police officers, and their own employees are unqualified to hold public office. Such a political philosophy is offensive. But residents have come to expect such outlandish, mean-spirited, and ugly proclamations from local Republicans. I support the Democrat County Council candidates — Sophia Travis, Michael Woods and Warren Henegar — whose commitment to our entire community is both refreshing and expected of a Monroe County Council member. Bill Berling Ellettsville