It has become apparent that we can’t just debate issues anymore. In our form of democracy, we should always have balance, where very divergent opinions can be debated in an open forum and the decisions rendered by our elected officials are in the best interests of the general public.

The issues should be the focus of the debate, not the people who are debating. Every citizen is entitled to their opinion and their vote. That is how a democracy works. So, why is it we have to personalize these debates and vilify our opponents?

Quite honestly, I don’t think I am qualified to have an opinion on the debate regarding the Island Crossing rezone or reclassification or whatever it is, but I am very qualified to speak up for Dwayne Lane and his family. As I am frequently involved in volunteer projects, I can tell you that Dwayne does not back down from his community responsibility. He consistently supports most of the nonprofit groups in our community. I can think of more than a few Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs that would not have been built were it not for Dwayne’s generosity.

So, go ahead and have a debate over the Island Crossing whatever, but there is no debate over the honesty and integrity of Dwayne Lane and his family.

BERT CRONIN

Everett