Election season can be a real slog. No sooner have we made peace with the fact that summer is, in fact, over do our mailboxes, feeds, phones and airwaves start overflowing with political ads.
I’ve worked in, out and around politics for the better part of 20 years, and I’ve seen plenty of candidates come and go. The ones worth remembering are the ones you can relate to and have a real conversation with, even when you disagree. They’re the ones who keep an open mind, welcome input and aren’t afraid to ask questions. They’re the ones who pick problem solving over putting on a performance, even when the latter may be more expedient.
When you go to vote this year, please remember that experience and smarts are only half the equation. The other half is temperament, judgment and the ability to look at a problem from more than one angle. It’s the stuff that’s hard to put on a mailer, because it speaks to character, not a list of things someone has done or not done, said or not said. Character can’t be taught, and it should never be undervalued when electing our representatives in government.
I write today to say that Steph Smyth has the smarts, the experience and the character to know what to do with it all.
Growing up here in Rhode Island, my family’s highest praise when asked about someone was: “They’re good people.” It’s not something that gets handed out lightly, and it speaks volumes in its simplicity.
Steph Smyth is good people, and she deserves your vote.
Ryan Patrick Kelley
What’sUpNewp welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds from Newport County residents. Election-related submissions must be received by Friday, Oct. 30. Send yours to ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style, and do not reflect the views of What’sUpNewp.
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