The definition of integrity comes from the word integral, which means wholeness or soundness. In its broader application, it refers to 1) adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty; 2) the state of being whole, entire or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire; and 3) a sound, unimpaired or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull. This is the kind of person I will vote for in this coming election.
I'm not interested in who your parents were. They are not running. I'm not interested in who your spouse is for the same reason. I'm not interested in which church you attend. I am interested in whether you know the word of God and treat others with respect, dignity and fairness no matter their position, faith, race or political affiliation. I'm not interested so much in your education, how many training sessions you have attended or which political party you belong to. I am interested in your reputation in this county and whether you pass the character test with most of the people you know and deal with on a regular basis.
I am not interested in how long you have lived and/or worked in this county. I am interested in whether or not you know the N.C. State Constitution and U.S. Constitution and understand the limitations they place on you as an elected official. I am interested in whether you will take an oath to uphold the constitutions of both North Carolina and the United States and if you will swear to abide by them no matter what.
In other words, will you openly declare that you are not above the law and will behave as a law-abiding citizen? Will you swear that you will not use the power of your office to practice tyranny against those you disagree with or those who openly oppose your actions? Will you remember and uphold the freedoms that have been given to "We the People" and not use your office to destroy our constitutional freedoms?
Further, I am not interested in your qualifications to hold office if you have never attended an official meeting of the Board of Commissioners, the City Council, the School Board or the DSS Board, or if you've never posted anything on any opinion page signed by you, nor written a letter to the editor stating your beliefs or taking a side on an issue. …
Now is the time to go with true, solid character. Nothing else will do in this election!
— Betsy Soler
Green Mountain
I don’t much care for the last paragraph because failing to state your opinions means you are actively concealing them and for a candidate especially, that is dishonest in itself. Politicians never fail to vote on issues when it counts, but almost always conveniently fail to take positions on issues when up for election. This is the number one failure of integrity.
How can one “know the word of God” and still adhere to the Constitution?