Tammy Osherov’s July 30 letter, “Weprin sticks to his principles,” which criticizes me, a lifelong Democrat, for accepting the Republican Party cross-endorsement, is the same “politics as usual” of the past. Civic leadership is about seeing beyond party labels and dealing with issues and individuals on the local level.
When issues are resolved, everyone benefits — both Democrats and Republicans. My campaign has been about civic leadership and restoring civility to the political process. Rigid, party-line thinking dictates that people are seen and judged based only on their party affiliation rather than as individuals, based on their accomplishments and community service.
All Democrats do not think alike, just as all Republicans do not think alike. People are more than party labels. They vote based upon issues that affect them and their families. With politics as usual, we demonize those who do not fit into a pre-ordained order and it is anathema to my campaign. As a Democrat, it is my independence and ability to articulate issues and not remain silent when members of my party engage in wrongdoing that is worrisome to those in power.
They and their surrogates grab onto anything they can and are left with nothing more than criticizing me for accepting the cross-endorsement of another party — something former Democratic Mayor Ed Koch did well in the past.
Bob Friedrich
Candidate
23rd City Council District
Hollis
