Here after Election Day, I am not angry by the choices we have made but rather the way we made these choices. Six billion dollars is the figure for the cost of this election. One subject not brought up by any candidate or in the press was election reform. We must push whoever is the winner to seriously and finally do something about this.
I would be in favor of only using public money for elections. The elections are for the people by the people, so why not have the people finance these through tax money? This would hopefully free the elected from special interests and other decisions that are not in the best interest of all.
Private money could be used for ensuring and encouraging people to be able to vote. Perhaps some of the $6 billion could have been used to shorten lines and make the process of voting more efficient, secure and easier.
Eliminate national debates. Rather weeks before the election use national and local TV air time for each candidate be given time to explain how he/she sees the issues and what they would do to help them. Time after this would be given to the press corps of America to expound and question these ideas and communicate this to the people. There would be no advertising of any sorts.
We must have term limits. This would ensure a stream of new ideas, and hopefully prevent the "good old boy network" and make it easier for others to serve.
I think the time for this nation has come to "grow up" in our election process. We cannot use the past practices anymore due to the cost and escalation that will only increase in the future.
Dennis Minori
Tyrone
