Just Sayin': Candidates should give their own ideas

It seems that this election year we no longer are voting for a candidate’s personal qualities and visions. Instead, we are voting for one of two political ideologies that are often defined by political opponents and media outlets.

This is evidenced by the many political divisions in the United States today that have somehow trickled down into races for school and library boards and local politics such as town and county clerks.

Important races such as governor are mostly devoid of a candidate’s personal opinion or abilities but focus on party ideologies. This was clear when Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul debated Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) on a media platform that most Long Islanders could not access. Hochul and Zeldin qualified themselves by attacking the narratives of their opponent’s party rather than their own abilities to shape New York.

Stop telling me why I shouldn’t vote for someone. Instead, tell me why I should vote for you. The best candidates should have positions on both sides of the aisle.

— Jim Miraval, West Islip

We deserve the right to choose our judges

I am a Republican and took advantage of early voting. I wonder, though, should we bother any longer to vote for judges in Nassau County?

They are now all cross-endorsed, so why put the money into putting them on the ballot, have them fundraise, etc.? Are the Republican and Democratic parties basically saying the voters are not smart enough to pick the right judges, so they will do it for them? What a shame to take this right away from us.

— Bob Diehl, Rockville Centre

Let’s keep all clocks on the same time

This weekend, we again turn our clocks back an hour. Some say the main reason is so children won’t be waiting for their morning school bus in the dark (and during the coldest months of the year, no less).

I would add that is also for adults driving to work (who do so early in the morning while probably still a little tired).

Some have suggested making daylight savings time the norm all year long. Yes, some extra sunlight in the evening is nice, but I believe it’s even nicer to have sunlight in the early morning to help people wake up, get ready for the day and travel to school or work.

I know many people don’t like changing clocks and schedules twice a year. The best way out of this would be to switch to permanent standard time.

— Mike Andrews, Whitestone

Is it possible for all of us to agree on something without letting politics get in the way? Regarding turning clocks back in the fall, why not turn them back a half-hour and leave it like this forever?

I don’t believe this will ruin too many people’s schedules.

— Anthony Palumbo Jr., Plainview

Ban campaign signs in our neighborhoods

The campaign signs all over our neighborhoods are eyesores. I don’t know anyone who votes for someone because of a sign. They should be banned.

— Sherri Levinson, Great Neck