Editor,

Have you ever played the "Gossip Game?"You play it by saying something to the person next to you, then they tell someone else what they think you said. This message goes around to others until it gets back to you. The fun part is seeing how well the message sent comes back intact.It rarely does.

I think as a community and as individuals, we play this game too much. As a results of not stopping such talk or gossip, people lives are affected. Some have lost jobs (talk to some former coaches at the high school) and others have lost their reputation.

While working as a manager, I knew another manager who stopped such gossip or rumors by saying, "Since the person is not here to defend herself, or himself, let's stop talking about her." I decided to do that myself. Perhaps you could do this as well.

One of the hot issues being talked about around the community are the candidates for our local governments. I don't know all of them, but I want to find out for myself what they want to do or in the case of the incumbents, what they have done to help our community. Are you aware that they, Mt. Pleasant City will meet with us to help us do this Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., in the Senior Citizen Center? Are you going? Get off your front porches or the couch in front of the TV and find out the truth for yourself.

I am really impressed with one candidate, Coleen Oltrogge, who is running for re-election on the Mt. Pleasant City Council. While volunteering on the library board for three years, I worked with Coleen. I saw how she worked hard to see the library improve. She also worked many long hours on the Main Street events around Christmas and the 4th of July, which our family enjoyed. They are wonderful, community-binding events; I have been very impressed with all her work. She was also very instrumental in working with the fine artists to remodel the Veterans Memorial at the Recreation Center.I know she does not have many signs posted on people's lawns, but I hope you will votefor herforthe city council.

So instead of assuming you know the facts because your neighbor or friends tell you something, go find out for yourself by asking the original source.

Sara Staker

Mt. Pleasant