Vote for policies, not experience

Regarding The Gazette's April 19 article 'Attorney hopeful passes bar exam before primary”:

'Having more experience in the job” is the last refuge of an officeholder whose record - i.e., his/her 'experience” - has not pleased the voters and has resulted in the emergence of a challenger.

In 1976, a 'green, young, inexperienced” challenger for Johnson County auditor replaced a veteran auditor of many years; only two years ago another 'inexperienced” challenger for Johnson County auditor replaced that 1976 winning auditor - who by then had 36 years of experience. In each case the newly elected official, with the help of his office staff, quickly took capable charge of his duties.

When the incumbent official's policies are no longer in step with local conditions and voters' wishes, and the challenger is offering new policies, voters should vote for the person whose policies they support - leaving aside 'experience” and other side issues such as traditional party loyalties and personal friendships.

If we always were to vote for 'the experienced candidate,” all incumbents would be kept in office until they decided to retire. (Why even bother with elections, in that case?)

Caroline Dieterle

Iowa City