With election day right around the corner, everyone one of us needs to think about what is at stake this year. Working people know that the path to prosperity starts with electing candidates who support a raising wage agenda. We have the opportunity to win equal pay, paid leave, fair scheduling and higher wages. These are just some of the reasons why Donald Trump is not the best choice for America.

The economic downturn impacted millions of working people. Donald Trump bragged about benefiting from the housing crash that left millions of Americans without a home. Trump has a history of not paying workers at his properties. He’s profited from the very trade deals he speaks against. He outsources jobs at his own companies. He even boasts that not paying taxes makes him smart. Voting is a right, and it’s a central part of our democracy. This year, with so much at stake, it is critical that we get out to vote and demonstrate the power working people have.

We simply can’t risk electing a candidate who puts profits ahead of the needs of working families, who says “I am going to…” and never tell us how’s he’s going to accomplish what he says he’s going to, that knows nothing about how government is run, and constantly talks hate, spreading negativity wherever he goes. We need a leader, and a good leader teaches others to lead.

A good leader is fair and just in their decision making. A good leader does not make emotional decisions, but rather, has the ability to look at all sides to make the highest and best decision they can. A good leader does not bully, push, or make their way the only way. Good leaders care about everyone, no matter their race, gender or religious background.

Our job as citizens is to see where our values line up with the values that each candidate carries, and decide which person has those values in mind. Electing a president or any official that represents this country, their city, or state is not about electing a personality, but rather, it is about electing people that know they carry a grave responsibility to do their very best for everyone concerned.

If you believe Mr. Trump truly carries your values, that he will do his best for everyone no matter race, gender, etc. If you believe Mr. Trump truly cares about your standard of living, that he will do everything he can to improve your life and the life of your neighbors. If you believe Mr. Trump can identify with the poor and the middle class. If you believe Mr. Trump can rise beyond his need to be right, his need to be on top, his need to showcase his wealth, then by all means, vote for him. The choice is yours to make, and as we all know…we live and die by the choices and decisions we make. I pray that in this election, we make the best choice possible for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Brenda Michaels, Issaquah