After reading Earline Byers's column I felt strongly that she sees clearly what the voters are facing this election.
As a 48-year resident of Des Moines I have seen many councils come and go and most were excellent people who could agree to disagree, discuss problems, and differences and come up with solutions that all could accept.
However, we're seeing a lack of what Earline calls team spirit that we expect from our leaders. Once before a group of people was elected by one man's efforts to encourage only people who agreed with his agenda to run for office. We all know what that did to our city.
Before this November's election, we voters need to talk to candidates, ask hard questions, look each in their eyes and then ask the same of present council members. Will their decisions make our grandchildren and their children want to live and enjoy the uniqueness of Des Moines?
Let's get back to serving on city council as real community service for this city we all want to love, and less for political maneuvering.

Judy Mannard
Des Moines