Hawaii still has the dubious distinction as dead last in voter turnout of all 50 states! After decades of one-party domination, the people have lost hope for positive change. No change. No hope. No vote. Auwe!

Every county deserves an opportunity to see, hear and judge for ourselves the leading candidates for governor. After decades of stagnant air, let’s welcome a fresh clean breeze.

Minority Leader Rep. Andria Tupola challenged Gov. David Ige to debate her in every county. Do most know that Ige canceled the only televised debate hosted by PBS Hawaii scheduled for Sept. 20? Why? It is clear the governor is afraid of being compared with his primary opponent, Andria Tupola.

Anyone who sees and hears Tupola agrees that she is a principled, passionate, strategic and articulate public servant. She has a track record of empowering communities to own their problems and become part of the solution. Tupola held over 41 town hall meetings throughout the state.

Judge for yourselves. Is Andria Tupola the candidate this state has long needed?

Check her out: www.votetupola.com or FB /votetupola.

Andria’s solutions are research based, community led and people focused.

Ige, as the elder and longer-serving politician, should accept Tupola’s challenge to step up to the podium. To “stand down” as a no-show is to concede. We need him to respect the process, his opponent, and the people’s need to compare the gubernatorial candidates.

Will Ige choose to man up or chicken out? What are the odds?

Susan M. Lussier

Kahului