However, we’re making an exception with what follows.
The Sun Day asked Sun City residents their views on the upcoming presidential election and on the candidates and are respecting the anonymity of those who responded because for some people, their political opinions are personal ones. Voting is a private process with no questions asked for whom the voter selected.
We offered these responders the same privacy. But be assured that the quotes that follow were supplied by actual Sun City residents. They may be your friends, they may be your neighbors.
Although the presidential election is a national event, what are folks saying closer to home?
According to Sun City residents who were anonymously interviewed, the local opinions reveal unsurprisingly diverse views.
“I will be voting for Hillary Clinton,” said one resident. “I don’t believe Donald has the qualifications or character to be the president. With Hillary’s background as a lawyer and her legislative experience and her record as Secretary of State, she is imminently more qualified for the role.”
Other residents expressed the opposite view.
“I’m no fan of Trump but I’ll vote for him to keep Bonnie and Clyde from getting back into the White House. If Hillary wins, we will have a national fiscal disaster on our hands,” they said.
Regarding major platform issues, Sun City residents had varied priorities as well, ranging from the status of the economy to the moral requirements of the candidate.
According to one resident, “I believe the core issue is the economy and how to rebuild the middle class. We need to foster innovation, reward companies that invest here and build our technical skill base.”
Other residents felt similarly,
“Immediate need: cancel Obamacare, cut out corporate tax loopholes, and reduce corporate tax to 15%. Long term, get Social Security and Medicare under control, or they will not be there for people retiring in 20 years,” said one resident.
Another resident stated that their major issue boiled down to the character traits of the candidate who gets in office.
“All of the above virtues are the most important issues to us. A president that possesses those virtues can handle any issue. We cannot allow anyone of Mr. Trump’s character or lack thereof to rule our country,” they said.
When asked if they would consider voting third party, the residents’ responses were mixed.
“The third party candidate would only takes votes away from the two primary candidates and parties,” according to one resident.
Another resident agreed.
“A third party vote makes you feel good, but it puts Hillary Clinton in the White House,” they said.
Other residents had a different take from a unique perspective.
“The two party system works for me, having come from a country with several different parties. I think the US has a better way with only two parties,” the said.
Some residents feel that third party votes are an idea for a future time.
“I would vote for a third party candidate if I felt they had a viable chance. I don’t think it will be feasible in this election.”
For more information about voting location and for profiles of the candidates on the ballot, visit www.ballotready.org.