The state of Hawaii has only four members in the U.S. Congress - two representatives and two senators. The times in which we are living requires us to choose the best available person for each of these positions.
The nation must address some vital issues in the next few years. The debt/deficit, Social Security and Medicare will force Congress to make some unpopular choices if they can demonstrate the courage to find solutions to fix them.
Election results are unpredictable. Therefore we must find leadership regardless of party label. Sen. Daniel Inouye is unlikely to serve another term, so protecting his position is not critical. Congressman Mazie Hirono chooses not to come to Maui, so personal interaction has not been possible. Her debate performances demonstrate a lack of commitment to much except the Democratic Party. Her response to a question about dealing with the deficit was that "all countries borrow." I think that China, Germany, Brazil and the OPEC countries would disagree.
Linda Lingle offers some specific ideas that would be a positive start for dealing with each of the above issues. Her willingness and ability to meet with people at all levels and articulate her positions would serve us all well. Clearly, Lingle would be much more likely to make an impact in the Senate.
In these critical times, political leadership transcends party affiliation. What is good for the United States will be good for Hawaii.
Ed Mathay
Kihei
