All candidates deserve respect, whether incumbents or challengers

I live and work in Schaumburg, and I love the community. It is this esteem for the village that prompts me to respond to a March 23 Daily Herald article announcing Mayor Larson's endorsements for the upcoming local election.

I was saddened to read a quote stating "the quality was not there" regarding challengers in the trustee race. It is upsetting that community leadership would label people as "quality" or "not quality." A metaphor about washing hands likewise seemed out of line.

There is a way to endorse candidates without applying such harsh words of criticism to challengers. Instead of celebrating the democratic process, grateful that newcomers are interested in local government involvement, candidates questioning the status quo are callously dismissed.

Incumbents should consider that this similar passion and desire for Schaumburg to flourish inspired them to seek office years ago. In my mind, newcomers willing to hold elected office should be commended for their desire to serve. All candidates deserve respectful listening. I trust that other Schaumburg residents echo my sentiments.

Allison Bies

Schaumburg