This isn’t racism, is it?

Here are some stats. It is apparent to me that “racist” is assigned only to the way whites think about blacks. Much is made of white voters who may not vote for a black — hand-wringing and condemnation.

When anyone brings forward the fact that polls show blacks will vote overwhelmingly for a black, that is never tagged as black-against-white racism, which it clearly is. Please recall Bill Clinton’s comment in the Carolina primaries that it was no surprise for a black candidate to win because blacks vote black. He was condemned as a racist for having stated that fact.

I’m not trying to do anything but bring balanced thinking into the process.

In case you missed this week’s issue of the Army Times, here are the results of the Army Times’ poll of military personnel regarding the election (in percent):

McCain Obama

Overall 68 23

Army 68 23

Navy 69 24

Air Force 67 24

Marines 75 18

Retirees 72 20

White Non-Hispanic 76 17

Hispanic 63 27

African-American 12 79

Enlisted 67 24

Officers 70 22

Somehow I missed seeing this in the New York Times.

Tom Cordier, Albany

A mayor for more jobs

The single-most important aspect of a strong economy is a multitude of jobs. Albany citizens need jobs that make use of their skills, their work ethic, and jobs that reward them with a living wage. Mayor Dan Bedore knows this and is working hard at making our local economy stronger. Mayor Bedore knows that local businesses are what keeps a city going.

Dan has worked with Pepsi to support bringing the Gatorade plant to Albany, bringing many new jobs with it. He has worked to put together and support an urban renewal district, so that we can focus on bringing more jobs to our community.

Dan also continues to work on improving our riverfront and downtown as a place of commerce and tourism. Our local economy is more important than ever in this rapidly changing economic downturn.

We need a strong leader, a proven leader who will work to make sure local businesses stay in business, that we have good local jobs that can pay the bills, and that our taxes are reasonable and our city services efficient. Vote to elect Dan Bedore as Albany mayor.

Bill O’Bryan, Albany

Helped homeless find jobs

There is a lot of untruth being said about Sharon Konopa, who is running for mayor. Sharon is concerned about jobs in our community and about the quality of life we have here in Albany. She will make a fine mayor.

She puts her words to truth by her actions. A few years ago when some homeless people were evicted, Sharon at her own time and expense drove these people around and helped them find housing and jobs.

Sharon has been involved in the Albany community for many years and knows its real needs and how to make things work. Her policies will bring jobs and prosperity to Albany.

William Martinez, Albany

Remember vote on water rates

Tax and spend. Tax and spend. I’m sick of it. Albany has one of the highest water rates in the state and some on the city council still want more. Several citizens spoke against the most recent increase in those already high water rates. Those on a fixed income asked for some relief. The majority of the city council turned a deaf ear to those pleas and passed the increase.

The city council was told that water usage had been higher than expected and that revenues were much more than needed. It seems there really wasn’t a need to increase the water rates, again, at this time. However, Mr. Dan Bedore voted for the rate increase. Ms. Sharon Konopa voted against the rate increase.

Both these people are running for mayor. Ms. Konopa seems to be concerned about the citizens of Albany and what’s right and fair. Mr. Bedore seems to have other fish to fry and an agenda that favors big business. I think the mayor needs to be concerned with all the needs in a city, not just with big business. It is the little businesses that really build the economy and proved the base for our community. I believe Ms. Konopa’s voting record on the city council for the last 12 years shows she believes that, too.

If you want a mayor who listens to the citizens and doesn’t always want a hand in your pocketbook, then vote for Sharon Konopa.

Greg Hansen, Albany

An experienced mayor

Experience, integrity and commitment are important and necessary qualities in positions of leadership. We also expect our leaders to be approachable and take an active part in the business at hand, fulfilling all the duties of the position to which they were elected.

Albany is fortunate to have this kind of leader in Dan Bedore, our current mayor. Dan Bedore is a man of integrity with a strong commitment to the Albany community. He brings a great deal of experience, having served as the mayor of a neighboring community and currently as our own mayor.

Dan is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get involved. Dan is a man dedicated to the Albany community and will work hard to address the needs of the community and do the best he can to improve the quality of life for all.

Please join me in casting your vote for Dan Bedore as the mayor of Albany.

Don Bacher, Albany

He knows farming, water

My family has been farming in the Willamette Valley since the turn of the century (that’s 19th to 20th) and I have been seriously involved in land-use issues for some time. I am a Marion County planning commissioner, although I am not writing in that capacity.

We are facing complex land-use and natural resource issues in the years to come as the need for economic growth presses outward onto farm and forest land. Balancing those needs will be an ongoing challenge.

It is rare to meet someone who knows as much about the problems facing not only his district but the state as a whole as Dan Thackaberry. He understands that industry, agriculture and transportation interrelate and all contribute to wasted energy and pollution.

Dan also understands that even more than oil, water is the commodity we will need to preserve in the future. His understanding of water issues in Oregon is broad and deep.

It would be a shame to lose someone of Dan’s ability in the legislature. Please vote for a knowledgeable, experienced candidate, Dan Thackaberry.

Carla Mikkelson, Woodburn

The listen to the pundits

Polls don’t win elections. Votes do. Don’t let the pundits and the talking heads make the decision for you. Take charge and vote.

Jack A. Martin, Albany