Dear George,

Even with the diversely impressive line-up of candidates, our choices are clear. While each brings different experience, skills and vision that would serve us well, and all have integrity that would inspire the trust required for governance, only Blake Caravati and David Simmons are right for this time.

Lloyd Snook is right about the need to reelect competent incumbents, and Blake is more than merely competent. He continues to be thorough, hard working, and accessible, just as he was when I served with him on the planning commission. No one knows the city better. And no one else can supply the leadership needed for council itself, and strong leadership is needed for that diverse, interesting even if sometimes unruly bunch.

Lloyd is also right about David Simmons. His public spirit served us all in the last election, and we now should tap this spirit by electing him to serve on council. And serve he will. It is his legacy. And his gentle but firm voice is needed, a voice that has not been recently heard.

If it is important to return competent incumbents to office, it is also important to support those who have already served in other capacities over a long time. Not as a reward, but as an extension of their desire and skill in making this a fine community. The next step in service. This is the time for David Simmons to make the step, and it is the time for our party to support him.

Liz & Gib Akin(electronic mail, February 19, 2002)