“I think you have to consider both; if you find a candidate that is true and genuine in their search to make the community better and is (also) backed by experience, you’ve got a winner.”

Scotti M., Fresno

“Both! Experience should teach us that making mistakes is part of the human condition. Owning up to our mistakes is what shows good character.”

Elizabeth S., Clovis

“In a perfect world, both experience and character should count. But since we don’t live in a perfect world, I would say experience rules. I would even suggest a bit of cut throated-ness is good for getting things done and breaking gridlock.”

Donna B., Fresno

“Character requires any deliberation over issues affecting constituents to result in a decision based on ethics, not popularity. I believe character is a more important consideration here.”

Leticia L., Fresno

“The character question can be a slippery slope in that the definition of “character” can vary from person to person, and what constitutes a lack of character can also vary. Personally though, I am influenced by the actions of a person (politician) regarding morals more than the experience of a person (politician) in their field.”

Denise N., Reedley

“It is all about character. A leader can be a person of character with honest differences of opinion from mine, and I will respect and value their leadership. But I cannot give any respect or value to a leader, no matter how gifted, without character.”

Keith M., Tulare

“Neither and both. Character doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it ties into both political experience and past behavior. You can’t claim to have great character and have nothing to show for it on your resume. There may be some characterless (is that a word?) politicians, but the more actual legislators I meet in person, the more impressed I am with their average depth.”

Andrew S., Reedley

“I believe that character is always at the top of the list. My favorite book tells me that perseverance builds character. Which reminds me that a person of character has been through the storm and is a survivor and has overcome the obstacles that were placed before him or her and now they have a story to share and an experience to learn from. I find it amazing that right now, all the politicians are able to get bills passed that they have sat on or voted against in order to save their “blessed assurances”! Too little too late…It’s time for change we can really believe in.”

William N., Dinuba

“Who a person is inside is who they will be as that political figure after election. We must know who they are as a person in order to know how they will be once election is over. Character matters.”

Michelle H., Reedley