ISLAND VOICES
Political promises precious to voters

By Kenneth L. Barker

Kenneth L. Barker lives in Hawai'i Kai and is a retired police major.

I am not one who shares The Advertiser's enthusiasm for the performance of Gov. Linda Lingle during her first year in office, "Lingle set table for reforms in first 12 months" (Nov. 30).

She promised to bring trust and integrity back to government. She promised not to raise taxes — along with other promises — and she made these promises the centerpieces of her campaign as she hammered Democrats for taxing, spending and eroding public trust. But now we hear she has changed her mind on the issue of taxes, etc.

Referring to her change of mind, you quoted Hawai'i Pacific University political science professor Gregory Gaydos as saying, "I think that's expected for anybody who is in office. They're going to say things, and then reality stares them in the face."

I disagree. I think people expect politicians to do their homework, say what they mean and do what they promised. We surely are accustomed to politicians saying one thing and doing something else. But we are eternally optimistic that we can trust the next one to come along and serve with integrity.

You quoted Helen Varner, dean of communications at Hawai'i Pacific University, as she commented about the Lingle "talk story" sessions. Varner said, "People think that's easy but that's the most difficult form of speaking."

She added, "You have to be so informed, and your mind has to work so fast to call up the right answer ... That's a rare skill and this governor's got it."

Again, I disagree. The right answer may satisfy some but only until the truth is known. Politicians practice giving the right answers to get elected and stay in office, but most people want and can handle the truth.

We should demand the truth from our elected and appointed officials and punish anything less. Lingle undoubtedly won some votes when, during the campaign, she promised not to raise taxes, and Mazie Hirono undoubtedly lost some votes for honestly saying she would not promise to not raise taxes. Some would say Hirono made a fatal political mistake, but no doubt she did not lose the election because of that statement. However, it took courage and she did retain her integrity.

Making promises just to get elected does not garner public trust nor does it show integrity.