Hoping for better tone from women candidates

Somewhere Harold Washington must have smiled when two African American women, arguably the best of 14 mayoral candidates, ended up in the runoff for mayor of Chicago on April 2. Now, he's probably rolling in his grave.

Chicago voters must be disappointed in what has happened in the first debates. I'm frustrated and I'm just a suburbanite.

In what should be an exciting time in Chicago politics, we've seen more of the same, male-candidate style negativity from both female candidates, especially Toni Preckwinkle. I imagine Mayor Washington, his arms around both candidates saying "Ladies, come on!"

Whoever wins, it wouldn't be the first time that a poor campaigner turned out to be a good leader.

A lot of people outside of Illinois are watching this race. Many of us, including men, are curious and even ready for women to lead in high places.

There's an even bigger election in 2020 with more women competing. Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle still have time to set an example for how to debate issues with dignity.

Wouldn't it be something if Chicago, of all cities, showed the rest of the country how it's done?

James H. Newton

Itasca