Editor, Gazette Journal:

Choosing a person for which to vote in an election is a multi-tiered endeavor. Political experience and/or or tenure, although certainly important, should not be the key determining factor in selecting for whom to vote. Were that the case, only seasoned politicians would be elected to office which would lead to a same old, same old approach and not be particularly conducive to fresh new thinking entering the fray.

When picking leaders to represent us, we should look for the personal qualities that define great leaders. A true commitment to public service, willingness to listen to new ideas, integrity, and the courage to do the right thing—even if temporarily unpopular, are some of the qualities that we should seek and demand from our leadership.

I believe that Mr. Farmer throughout his long military service and more recently through his contributions to the Gloucester community exhibits such personal qualities. It is for this reason among others that I...