Letters to the Editor: Pay attention to candidates still promoting the 'Big Lie'

Pay attention to candidates still promoting the 'Big Lie'

Wake up and vote! On Tuesday, Aug. 2, Otsego County will likely elect our next state representative. History has proven that whoever wins the Republican primary will go on to win in November. The only way to keep "unfit people" from being elected is for Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans to act as "gate keepers" by voting them out in August.

Too many of our elected officials have engaged in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This has included submitting “fake electors” and unauthorized “forensic voting machine audits.” These efforts reportedly involved at least one state representative (Daire Rendon) and several Roscommon County and township officials. It demonstrates the importance of electing honorable, ethical, honest people at every level of government. We do not need another Rendon.

And yet I fear some of the candidates running for state representative may dare to “be like Daire.” When asked recently, “Did Joe Biden win Michigan and the presidential election in 2020” (News-Review, July 7) only one candidate was able to stick to even the most basic of facts.

Ken Borton responded: “The Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified the election results declaring Joe Biden the winner …” An answer that shows enough maturity to at least accept reality.

Diane Randall answered: “Joe Biden was declared president of the United States.” She did not mention Michigan or acknowledge that Biden “won.” It seemed like a carefully worded answer meant not to anger any election deniers.

Kim Morley’s response was probably the most alarming. She stated: “I’m not convinced that all ballots were as legit as we were told.” That sounds like someone who still believes “The Big Lie.”

We need someone who will work for us, not a defeated president. I believe Ken Borton is that person. He is the incumbent and has a proven record. He is a family man, a spiritual person, has a college degree and 44 years of business experience.

Randall Rousselo

Roscommon

Borton more concerned about campaigning than constituents

I am a senior, disabled, veteran and have been subjected to bullying, intimidation and serious civil rights abuses, so I reached out to Rep. Ken Borton for help. I was seeking assistance with the Office of Civil Rights, as they hadn’t bothered to follow up with me as they claimed they would.

I didn’t get a response from Ken Borton, or his people.

Since it’s summer, I thought perhaps he was on vacation, but when I checked his Facebook page, I noticed he had made at least 20 Facebook campaign posts since I first contacted him. Apparently, he was so busy with campaigning, he didn’t have time to deal with a constituent, even if that old, blind, veteran, is in serious need of help.

After I messaged him on Facebook, he did respond. Here’s his response: “Hi, Chet! Thanks for contacting me. I've received your message and appreciate you reaching out. I'll respond as soon as I can.” How fun and cheery, but a totally tone-deaf reply.

Ken Borton is not concerned enough to follow up in a timely manner with a constituent in need of help. Where are his celebrated “Christian values”? Talk about misplaced priorities.

I will never vote for Borton again. Any politician who touts their Christian education, Christian values and a distinctly Christian morality, and wears their compassion on their sleeve, is not to be trusted. Cozying up to business and ignoring the very persons in need of assistance is nothing more than the political status quo, far removed from anything Christian; there’s no telling what else they are willing to pervert for that sweet power gig.

Such politicians are concerned with personal power, not the will and needs of the voters, not any charitable or empathetic positions, not any supposed Christian values, and they will not get my vote; fool me once …

Chet Falkowski

Boyne City

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Letters to the Editor: Pay attention to candidates still promoting the 'Big Lie'