It is that time again to wade through the political mailers and phone calls. I think we all wish there was a better way to meet the various candidates than the barrage of ads and calls.

My preference is coffee meetings in the home where one meets the candidates face to face.

Second choice is to shake hands with you at the front door of your home.

Third choice is by letter to the editor, which follows.

Yes, Laurence Schmit, a name that will go down in history. Well, maybe not. A name to remember? I hope so.

The Aug. 26 elections are fast approaching. I am your volunteer precinct committeeman in Golden Eagle Precinct. I need your approval, your vote, to continue working in your behalf.

In my younger days, I was a gung-ho activist, getting elected mayor, then Orange County supervisor, even sat down to dinner with the President. Now I am slowing down a bit, but I believe I still have a responsibility to you, the electorate. Literally thousands once worked on my campaigns, now it is my turn to do some of the grunt work in working for other qualified candidates.

Yes, I am a politician. Don’t believe those who run for office and say, “I’m not a politician.” What do they think they are? Anyway, I love politics. It’s a necessary endeavor and can be an honorable profession. Someone will be in charge, that is someone will make the rules, and if not we, then the bad guys will fill the void.

A precinct committeeman is the lowest rung of political activity other than you the actual voter. To continue my work, I need your help, your vote on the 26th of August, Laurence Schmit, Larry, for precinct committeeman. Thank you.