It's time to look at spending limits

By the time this is printed, the election will be decided, and we will have a new president in the wings. We find it appalling how much money is spent to get an official elected.

We heard on the news that with all politicians taken into consideration (presidential, congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial, etc.) at least $5 billion was spent on this election. Five billion!

Now, in today's standards that may not be considered that much money if it was directed to the entire population. What if it had been directed to returning veterans, our poorest and neediest citizens or our education system? That certainly would have made a difference.

We would like to see a ceiling placed on the amount of money any candidate can spend on an election. If all candidates cannot raise whatever the limit set is, so be it.

But if candidates do raise huge amounts of money toward their election or re-election, they should not be allowed to use it. We don't know what should happen to the money from fundraising that surpasses a certain limit, but we feel there should be a limit. It is outrageous that this kind of spending should be permitted.

Joel and Carol Vargo

Plainfield