I am an independent but I lean conservative. I’ve never voted a straight party ticket because I want to choose who I think will do the right job for the position. I don’t necessarily care which party he or she belongs to and I don’t have to agree with him or her on every issue but I have some definite ideas about what makes a good politician. 

In my view, it is important politicians recognize the problems we face; they have the guts to do something about them; they have knowledge of global issues; they will be good stewards our tax dollars; and, perhaps most importantly, they will listen to those they lead.

Elsie Hickman is a Lake Martin resident who is a regular columnist for The Outlook.