Editor, Times-Union: I feel I have an obligation to voice my opinion because I no longer live in Warsaw and can not vote in the upcoming election. I was raised in Warsaw, and lived there for 18 years. In that time I watched my father invest himself 100 percent in making Warsaw a safe, prosperous and vibrant place to call home. He has always focused on putting others first and serving the greater good of Warsaw. He has served the community in many different ways including Plan Commission, City Council, the YMCA Board and many other community-based organizations. When the economy took a dive and many of the communities around all but collapsed, Warsaw continued to grow and adapt in some of our countries toughest times. Let’s not allow the negative connotation “status quo” has had in recent elections, to be thrown around in a community that has kept its head above water. I bet Elkhart, Kokomo and Marion would trade their status quo for ours in a second. My father is proud of Warsaw’s past, but also possesses the positive discontent to keep the community moving in the right direction. Let’s also not let a great community like Warsaw get wrapped up in the personal attacks and mudslinging that has ruined political interest for many people in this country. All four candidates are great people who want to make Warsaw a better place for all its citizens. They all deserve our respect simply for running. I know that if you elect Joe Thallemer mayor, he will continue to keep Warsaw ahead of the curve and a great place to call home. Michael Thallemer Nashville, Tenn., via e-mail
