The Editor, Sir:

It is unfortunate that in 2007, we are getting caught up with people's personalities, trivial words being thrown about, and flags and graffiti, in the run-up to a very critical general election. What has happened to the discussions about the economy, our national debt, health, education and the justice system, as well as the many other national issues?

I have closely followed the last three general elections and I am sick and tired of all the silly season talk that goes on when an election is imminent. If there was ever a time for serious discussion and debate, it is in the run-up to the election that this should happen.

In examining my home con-stituency of South East St. Andrew, I find that the incumbent, Mrs. Maxine Henry-Wilson is focusing on petty issues such as flags and graffiti, rather than on serious issues such as community development, educational opportunities, infra-structural improvement, real housing solutions and improvement of economic opportunities for the less- privileged residents of the constituency. It must be noted that she is the Minister of Education, Youth and Community Develop-ment, yet these areas are all neglected throughout most of her own constituency.

She will have no one but herself to blame when she loses this seat to Joan Gordon-Webley, as the voters throughout the constituency are becoming more enlightened and are demanding a higher level of performance from their elected representative, which Mrs. Gordon-Webley has clearly demonstrated by her past performance in East Rural St. Andrew and her future plans for South East St. Andrew.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD MICHAELS

truthtopower@yahoo.com

Vineyard Town

Via Go-Jamaica