It's election season and that means politics 24-7. Admit it, we love it.

Promises are made. Blame is spread around in large quantities. The Almanac archives are searched for evidence of wrongdoing in years past. The insult de jour is that candidates or their supporters are behaving in ways that are labeled "political."

At the League of Women Voter's forum candidate Lee Duboc called the referendum on the Derry project a "political" move, presumably to stir up emotions during the campaign season. The legal window of opportunity to file an application for a referendum is specific and time sensitive. What would be the "political" advantage for taking on this arduous task at this time?

On the other hand, the Duboc/Boyle/Winkler Slate has placed on our November ballot Measure J that is absolutely unnecessary and presumably for the purpose of rousting their supporters and exploiting parents who are searching for additional playing fields.

The language on the ballot asks the voter if the city should have the option to put playing fields at Bayfront Park. What nonsense to ask such a question. The city has always had the option and the Slate had four years to conduct an environmental review to determine if such a proposal is even possible.

Talk about a cynical "political" ploy! This campaign strategy is costing taxpayers money, a clever subsidy to the Slate's election campaign. Candidate Duboc had over a decade while on the Parks and Recreation Commission to produce playing fields and she just didn't get to it. In 1992, the city had an opportunity to gain a field at St. Patrick's' Seminary as part of the development permit and Ms. Duboc could have lent her voice to the chorus of parents then asking the council to include a field in the 150-home deal.

Recently the Rosewood Hotel got the Slate's vote but no field. Ms. Duboc had her chance and the Slate let us down. We need new leadership.

Measure J should be defeated. Vote no on J.

Brielle Johnck