I grew up a Democrat in a rural, mostly Republican, Maine town. I didn’t know how my friends’ families voted, and I didn’t care. What I did care about was their values. My community had many conservative people who valued self-reliance, independence and tradition, while liberal-leaning citizens focused on equality, social responsibility and resource sharing. These values are not necessarily contradictory, and all can benefit our society. I believe that Americans need a leader who demonstrates all these values in his/her leadership.

Unfortunately, the Republican Party has chosen a candidate who doesn’t represent Republicans, only his desire for power. Leaders who are self-serving fail those they lead. Leadership is more than representing a political party; it is the character of the leader that matters. When we vote on Nov. 5, we must consider our own values and choose a leader who represents them.

Janice Cohen
Scarborough