EARLY in life I was taught that you don’t build yourself up by tearing others down. Politicians of all persuasions would do well to heed this conviction during the run-up to the forthcoming General Election, as most of the time voters are neither swayed nor impressed by negative campaigning.

To the contrary, my sense is that it is far better for candidates to focus on informing constituents what they would do to improve their communities if elected, rather than criticising their opponents or partaking in infantile and scare tactics that fool very few.

Presenting one's own plans and vision is not only the right thing to do, but it is the most effective way of campaigning, one that resonates well with most of the electorate.

In short, negative campaigning is a misguided strategy which usually achieves the exact opposite of what is intended.

Along the same line of thinking, my belief is that a candidate’s character counts more than his or her party affiliation, particularly so during these rapidly changing times within society. Past allegiances to a particular party are evaporating before our very eyes throughout our nation and elsewhere in the free world. Populism or not, that is today’s reality.

Last and perhaps most importantly, politicians should keep in mind that they are seeking a job which is that of a public servant, not one intended for self-aggrandisement.

It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen by a democratic election to represent one's peers. If elected, officials should always attempt to achieve what is in the best interests of their constituencies rather than their own.

Perhaps that is asking too much in today’s world, but those sentiments need to be expressed regularly so we do not lose sight of their veracity as a goal.

Ira Fishman

Sedgwick