Let us not have political party influence or interference in any of our local elections. As divisive and dysfunctional as the political climate is, we should certainly want Richmond to be a political-free zone.

The Democratic Committee appears to be a self appointed group that tries to influence the vote of others. It is time to just say “no” to them, Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the entire political establishment. They seek to saddle us with a mayoral candidate selected for reasons that have nothing to do with qualifications or experience.

Each person should check the knowledge, skills and abilities of each candidate in all of the races and make his or her own decisions. Choices made by others are no better than the choices we can make for ourselves.

When the perfectly printed endorsements for candidates are received and phone calls begin, remember, do your own investigating. We need the right people holding office in our city. Don’t let others decide for us who those persons should be.

CHARLETA F. SHORTS

Richmond