What if Lingle follows Bush's example?

So you folks who call yourselves "Democrats for Lingle" -- get your heads out of the sand. A vote for Lingle is a vote for the Republican agenda. The Republican agenda is what Bush makes it to be, and it is a disaster for the United States. He already has squandered a tremendous budget surplus left to him and saddled us with a huge deficit, which will require immense expenditures for interest. You and I do not benefit from that.

We all have a real opportunity to elect two candidates to the offices of governor and lieutenant governor who have considerable experience in administrative and legislative positions, who have records of accomplishment beneficial on a statewide basis: Mazie Hirono and Matt Matsunaga. Don't waste this opportunity.

Roger Moser
Pepeekeo, Hawaii

Fishman can bring integrity to Council

We need to bring Bob Fishman back to City Hall. As one who's worked in city management for 25 years, I value integrity and leadership in our organization. During the four years when Bob was our managing director, we could count on his strength as a man of conscience who brought together folks of differing opinions.

On his watch, things went smoothly at City Hall. Some four years ago, when Bob left to become vice president of Hawaiian Airlines, we joked that it was "800 of Bob's closest friends" who came to celebrate. This gathering brought together family, business leaders, rank-and-file employees, military and community leaders, and friends from Bob's temple in a spirit of respect and admiration for one of Hawaii's most experienced public servants.

Just when we need him again, Bob has stepped up to run for the City Council from District 4, Waikiki to Makapuu, an area where he has lived for 28 years. We must seize this opportunity to elect him.

Cynthia Bond
Hawaii Kai

Honor Mink by getting cancer bill passed

I choose to honor Congresswoman Patsy Mink's memory by urging passage of HR 5068, the Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2002. What better tribute than rallying around her causes and getting her bills passed?

HR 5068 would be one of her final congressional acts and a lasting legacy. Mink introduced HR 5068 in July 2002, and was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, which has not scheduled any hearings. The public can help get Mink's last wishes carried out by contacting their representatives and asking them to co-sponsor HR 5068. The more co-sponsors, the better chance of scheduling a vote.

If no one hears this bill, it will die -- just like Patsy and countless other women with ovarian and uterine cancer.

Kathy O'Connor
Cancer survivor
Ocean View, Hawaii

Why would the Dems change anything now?

Change! This seems to be the banner cry of our candidates for governor this election. But I am confused as to what exactly the Democrats will change. They are in control of the state, and the only change has been that we are deeper in debt than ever before.

I think the biggest change will be that of a party change. We need new people in office to "think new" and put Oahu back on track to recovery. Perhaps a cap on the gas tax might help.

This is the time for voters to see what the Democrats in office haven't done for Hawaii.

Curtis R. Rodrigues
Kaneohe

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