Art Tolis is my vote for a new voice on Town Council. Art’s voice on council is paramount in this election.

Each election, candidates submit their bios raving about their credentials and then given questions to answer regarding issues. Next are the endless forums, debates and discussion sessions all designed to “help” voters.

Even with all of this “help,” inevitably the candidate we choose ends up being wrong. Because once elected, given their oath of office and signed the Code of Ethics, we witness the truth about that person. Of course, by then, it is too late.

We learn they have a secret agenda not shared with the public, or they may have an “anger management issue,” or they are a party to an unnecessary lawsuit against the town costing residents hundreds of thousands of dollars.

All candidates should be vetted and scrutinized by the public and media for honesty, temperament, judgement and moral character. Just because their bio says they have a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland or a Bachelor’s Degree from Otterbein College, does not give them a pass. Did they truly graduate? Just because they held prior office does not give them a pass. Where, when, how and what did they accomplish should be examined. Our community does not need recycled politicians.

The new voice on council must be temperamentally sound, honest and ethical; one that honors the Code of Ethics.

Your vote is a precious commodity to be used wisely. Art Tolis is a moral, honest man who has demonstrated his ability to unify. He has tirelessly given back to the community countless hours of volunteering; a businessperson who knows the ups and downs of ownership.

Art Tolis is the right choice. Let’s give a chance to be a fresh, new voice.