When the top-two primary left us with two intolerable choices, Pam Roach and Matt Richardson, I considered not voting. But voting is very important to me. I know that the people we elect can affect every day of our lives.

Brian L. Gunn has solved my dilemma by stepping forward as a write-in candidate. I know him, and his integrity and dedication are outstanding. He works hard for what is right, with the Clean Elections organization to try to level the playing field, for the environment in work parties to clean up and restore habitat in our area, for education as an after-school tutor for elementary and middle school students.

I am happy to vote for this man of integrity.

The unauthorized Matt Richarson website Chris Clifford created and promotes – and obviously Pam Roach – get in the way of real debate to earn each vote for the November election. Clifford’s ex-wife denounced in the paper the content of Clifford’s website smear of Richardson. The ongoing saga reported in all news media further adds confusion as to what is truth and what is bully campaign tactics.

So we the voters are cheated out of a fair election where the media surge has sucked all the oxygen out of any hopes of knowing who is honest, fair and what they will do to represent us. I would like to see a town hal-style meeting prior to the absentee ballots being distributed so both Roach and Richardson can be on the hot seat to answer our questions on how they will handle all the issues and represent the voters of the 31st district. Otherwise what has occurred cheapens our political process, and we the voters are in a no-win situation.

Richardson has no criminal record. He has a security clearance from the Department of Defense, which involves an extensive FBI background check, and he’s a teacher in good standing.

It appears that Roach is desperately seeking to defame Richardson and make him into something he’s not.

Has The News Tribune shown responsible journalism by reviewing every single e-mail for the last four years (which was part of the public request in Sumner) for all of Richardson’s opponents?

As a Sumner City Council member, Richardson is known to listen to our concerns. He helped stop the demolition of historic downtown Sumner and stood up to wealthy developers. He has been steadfastly against the proposed chemical tank farm. I know Richardson will respond to citizens’ concerns as a state senator because this is what he does in Sumner.