Friday's letters: Ballot not in mail, thumbs up from poll watcher, help for veterans
Manatee Democrat unable to vote by mail
I am a career diplomat and ambassador who retired to Manatee County. On occasion, I am called back to work for the government, particularly at the United Nations, where I encourage other countries to support the United States on many issues.
While in New York for that purpose, my wife and I requested absentee ballots from Manatee County. On Nov. 7, I called the elections office and was told that my request had been processed but, for reasons unknown, my ballot was not mailed.
Later, a supervisor called and confirmed that the office had received my request but failed to send me a ballot. He also provided no explanation. My wife did not receive her ballot either.
The caller told me that I would be unable to vote in the Nov. 8 election, since I was out of town and could not vote in person.
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My wife and I are registered Democrats. Michael Bennett, the Manatee County elections supervisor, is a Republican. True or not, the behavior of the elections officials in his office gives the impression that they took action to prevent two Democrats from voting.
The United States stands for democracy and is a leader to the world. We need to do better than this, America. This isn’t who we are.
Paul Folmsbee, retired ambassador, senior adviser for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Mission to the United Nations
Polling site runs like clockwork
I had the most rewarding experience as a poll watcher Nov. 8.
I was at the polling site at 6:30 a.m. as the clerk made sure all the poll workers knew what they were doing, answering any last-minute questions, swearing them in and ending with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The polling site opened right on time and all the poll workers did exactly what they were supposed to do. No one left the site without voting. If there was an issue, provisional ballots were given.
All the people working took their roles very seriously and so did the voters. They were willing to stand in line for a long period of time and most came prepared with their sample ballot or some reference material showing that they had given this vote considerable time and thought.
No matter the outcome of the election, if all the voting sites functioned as well as this one did, the electorate has spoken.
Voting in this country is a legitimate process. Let’s honor it and thank all those who put in the time and effort to make it happen.
Ellen Rothschild, Sarasota
Candidates in 2022 childish, churlish
I am a geezer of octogenarian age and I think I have voted in 95% of the elections since I have been eligible. I have been an active contributor in my community’s life for most of this time and am proud of my participation.
Never have I been so ashamed of the rhetoric, outright lies and misconception spread by approximately 90-95% of those running for public office. Surely, the phrase “public service” has reached a new low.
Those who are guilty of this childish behavior must have a hard time looking their fellow citizens in the face and unequivocally saying they did the right thing.
As parents, we would not accept this kind of behavior from our children. As adults, we would not patronize businesses that had this loose of a moral ethics code.
Why do we accept this from our elected officials, whose sworn duty is to serve honorably?
Being happy that “My side won” without regard to the civic cost is just wrong and not something to be proud of. I hope we become better than this.
Bob Richardson, Sarasota
Veterans can get much-needed support
As we honor America’s veterans on Veterans Day, we must remember that their sacrifices persist well past their service. Many veterans struggle with unseen wounds that can range from mental health issues to substance use disorders.
The Defense Department recently reported that suicides among active-duty service members increased by more than 40% between 2015 and 2020 – with an increase of 15% in 2020 alone.
Fortunately, help is available.
Please know that anyone thinking about suicide should call 9-8-8, the national suicide hotline, for immediate assistance. There are also behavioral health providers throughout Florida that are able to provide services regardless of whether a person may be uninsured.
Florida’s seven local Managing Entities work with a network of 300-plus behavioral health care providers who deliver services to more than 300,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable residents, including children, expectant mothers, veterans and the chronically homeless.
Behavioral health providers within the network provide services such as: as crisis stabilization, care coordination, housing, transportation and employment. Care coordination is crucial because it ensures that people don’t fall through the cracks while they receive various services to meet their unique needs.
As we gather on Veterans Day to support America’s heroes, let’s remember to support them year-round, not just on one day.
Natalie Kelly, CEO, Florida Association of Managing Entities, Tallahassee
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee Democrat prevented from voting, candidates shameful
