In politics, show a little respect

Paul Johnson, a state senator, announced suddenly that he wouldn't run for another term. Why? He had promised himself the first time he found himself answering a question he didn't really know the answer to, he'd quit. And he did.

That's integrity. But, Iowa Rep. Bobby Kaufmann often answers questions with smoke and qualifiers. What happened to 3 to 4 percent for K-12? Why did you eliminate child abuse investigator job protections? Why are you starving our state universities? Why did the wealthiest of your constituents need more tax cuts?

When pressed, Kaufmann blames his own party, the governor or Democrats, but hardly ever takes responsibility for his votes. When he does, he often answers in a defensive, demeaning way. He justifies his tone by saying, 'I treat people the way they treat me.” Is it disrespectful or demeaning to demand our state representative explain his votes? I don't think so, and yet many have testified to this behavior. Kaufmann shows disrespect to his constituents.

This strategy of showing no respect and no integrity is mean politics. We can do better.

I'm voting for someone who has always taken responsibility for her choices, Jodi Clemens. I want someone who has integrity, will stand by her votes and treats everyone with respect whether she agrees with them or not.

Joel E. Wells

Iowa City