Editor,

I have been a South Whidbey resident for approximately 23 years. I have also voted in every election locally and nationally since turning 18 in 1972 with the exception of one year when I was overseas serving our country. I have seen many political ads in print and on TV. As in sports, we root for our favorite teams and players. It is the same thing in the political arena.

In response to a political ad placed in the Oct. 12 issue of the South Whidbey Record titled, “Betty Bond The Most Qualified Candidate,” it reminds me of how politics work. You get a number of people with political clout to put their name on it and, “Oh, this must be the candidate to vote for because so-and-so said so.”

It was a tasteful and respectful ad, I give you that. What it didn’t say was how long this candidate has lived on this island and how long has she served the South Whidbey community, who are the ones being told to put her in office.

I must say that before this campaign started, I never heard of Betty Bond. When they tried to shut down the middle school, Rocco was involved. When you see a group of children from the school riding bikes on our streets as part of physical education, who is at the back of the pack protecting the kids? Rocco Gianni. Though Rocco retired this year, he is still involved in shaping our children’s lives. He is well respected by all the kids that I have ever spoken to.

Though both candidates have impressive backgrounds in teaching, has Betty Bond ever taught in our school system? Please correct me if I am mistaken, but as I said earlier, I never heard of her before the campaign started.

I believe that we as voters need to decide on what either person can do for this community and our children. I know Rocco taught two of my children over the years and knows our school system in and out.

With all due respect to both candidates, it is time to make decisions based not on who you know but rather on what you can do for the children in the South Whidbey community.

With the recent budget crisis our country now faces, I hope we have learned our lesson concerning paying attention to whom you vote for. Take the time, read the facts and use your right to vote. My vote is for Rocco Gianni. Thank you,

BOB SCHOELER

Langley