As reported in The Day, in the debate for the 40th District House seat, the candidates were asked who they each will support in the presidential race, Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton. Republican Representative John Scott suggested the question was unfair, and went on to say, "I therefore feel that my endorsement or lack thereof or renouncement or whatever is not important." 

The question is both fair and the response important. No candidate for elected office gets to pass; it tells us who you are and what you stand for. Since candidates are asking for our vote for a position of authority to make decisions on our behalf, we ask: Are you a leader? Can we trust you to stand for each and every person’s dignity and well-being as a human being? Are you forthright and transparent? 

I hope that future debate moderators and journalists keep asking the question.

Lucira Jan Nebelung

East Lyme