EDITOR:

As many of us Delta County residents know, in May there will be a recall election for three of the members of the Delta County Board of Commissioners. Those who are not aware of the election and surrounding drama are obviously not concerned, or like me, personally trying to avoid all of the emotions, lies, facts and more that are prevalent in print, social media, news broadcasts and likely places my last century flip phone does not take me.

I know very little about the controversy and maybe I should be more attentive so that I can make a wise voting choice. The anger, vitriol, screaming, bashing, side-taking phenomenon are clearly turning most people off. My guess is that many people are very confused about the issues involved and are simply voting party affiliation or off of rumors.

I think that it is all embarrassing and other U.P. folks and beyond are doing more than laughing. I am glad that this does not affect my district and that I do not have to vote.

And, some of this is self-induced and that leaves more doors open encouraging the other side to cross the line or make a move that is certain to rally troops and slay the other’s voices. I am not sure that I could find out any truth here, any commonsense or wisdom to vote-guide me. Candidates in my eyes are egging on the other side totally unnecessarily.

The attacks on people and character rather than issues are enough foolishness. One group uses the word ‘ethical’ in its title, and many folks, pro or con to this group, really question that choice of word — for either side.

All that is being said is obviously causing people to question, doubt and even question the purpose of the whole board. Like, what do they do and is it essential? The words, “airport and conservation” are triggering me, yikes! Enough!

People, state the facts. Good. State your opinion with respect. Listen to others. Discuss without tempers rising. Attempting to attack motives and ideas with conspiracy theories is a no-no. Did we not learn as kids to not pour gasoline on the fire? The revenge-retaliation cycle is crazy. I thought that I was not involved in the fray when I went home two weeks ago and found an absentee ballot in my mailbox. I did have a candidate in my district after all. I will tell you whom I voted for in 2034. These personal attacks benefit no one, yet alone our country. No one wins.

Yes, some of us are board-bored and hassled. I think my thoughts here represent the majority of Delta County residents.

Mike Olson

Escanaba