I decided to skip the recent League of Women Voters forum and wanted to offer an explanation. It came to my attention that the LWV might be unable to provide an unbiased platform to introduce myself and discuss my candidacy. Specifically, this realization occurred in reviewing their frequently updated Facebook page. I was taken aback at how blatantly partisan the page was for an organization that bills itself as nonpartisan.

Examples include: April 5, they shared an article titled, “The unique, damaging role Fox News plays in American media”; May 2, they shared a post by the Iosco County Democratic Party Group attacking a ballot initiative; May 3, they shared talking points on the “SCOTUS decision overturning Roe” that included “We must make Republicans feel the consequences…” and says the only solution is to elect Democratic, pro-choice women across the country; Aug. 6, they shared an article from Planned Parenthood coaching citizens on “birddogging” and protesting pro-life officials; Oct. 2, they shared an article from a liberal media outlet attacking “Trumpists” for referring to the U.S. as a republic and not a democracy — it goes on to include various jabs and name-calling; and March 5, they shared a fundraising link for the purpose of assisting “Democrats up and down the ballot”.

The list goes on. It was overwhelmingly obvious the nonpartisan banner no longer applies to our local chapter. The fact is that most voters in our area identify as Republican or conservative independents, and that Republican candidates usually earn most of the votes in our area. I do not suggest they pivot to the other end of the spectrum, rather try harder to truly be nonpartisan and not just another tier of the Democratic Party. As for Thursday, I spent my time knocking doors and speaking with voters.

JESSE OSMER,

Alpena