Congratulations to Wes Breckinridge on winning another term in office.
In his usual respectful style, he pledges to be responsive to and work with all Jasper County residents in addressing their needs, as he has done during his previous term.
Mr. Dunwell seemed very gracious in the way he congratulated his opponent but does not seem as eager to put partisan differences aside to work with Wes.
In statements to the paper, his team threatened Wes to be ready because they were “coming at it again, and coming at it hard.” Poorly chosen words, in my opinion.
Mr. Dunwell also chose the moment to rehash parts of his campaign strategy and attacked Wes by again making false claims about Wes’s agenda and also made some fear-filled claims about Wes’s beliefs on the Second Amendment and a woman’s right to choose.
This type of negative rhetoric is not productive, nor does it sound like someone who is ready to put differences aside and work together for all citizens, including the 50 percent of voters that chose Wes. In fact, to me it comes across as a bit petty and vindictive.
Wes has pledged to work hard for everyone, including the 50 percent who did not vote for him. Would Mr. Dunwell have offered the same promise to those who did not vote for him had he won? His words and attitude suggest not.
The results of the Presidential race have proven that Americans are ready to stop the divisiveness and bickering and are eager for a less chaotic and more civil era of governance.
I would hope Jasper County voters and future Republican candidates are also ready to begin a new more positive and healing era for everyone, even those with whom we may have disagreements.
John Moore
Newton