I am 73 years old and I do not need others telling me how to vote.

At a recent Burien event, a lady named Jennifer James and another woman approached my friends and I. We were sitting outside and they came up to tell us to "vote for the women" in the upcoming election for Burien City Council.

They were carrying Rose Clark and Joan McGilton signs.

They started bad mouthing, saying one male candidate, Stephen Lamphear, was "the worst candidate for City Council Burien has ever had."

They proceeded then to misrepresent Mayor Noel Gibb's record.

Finally, they firmly said, "Just remember, don't vote for any of the male candidates. Only the three women."

This is rather inappropriate and disgusting. Since when did voting become a gender issue? I was saddened to see this invasive behavior - especially happening up and down Southwest 152nd.

Let's send a strong message from out community that these kinds of antics will not be tolerated. Let's do this election the old-fashioned way.

In my day, we have always voted by gathering the facts and making an informed choice about the candidates.

These aggressive ladies have nothing to worry about. If their candidates are so qualified, they will win on their credit, merit and integrity alone. They will not have to stoop so low as to bad mouth the other candidates to get votes.

Beatrice Nelson

Burien