Support for candidates on Aug. 7 ballot

It will take real leadership and integrity to restore the public’s faith in St. Louis County government. We have seen far too many revelations of questionable dealings, conflict between the administration and the County Council, and gridlock on issues of importance to us all.

I have known Mark Mantovani, one of the candidates for County Executive, for many years. He is experienced, intelligent, impeccably honest and insightful. He knows how to collaborate across the spectrum for the good of all. His business acumen is a matter of record and has been very important to me.

When I was leaving my family business, he was there to counsel me, discuss options and think through topics that I needed to consider. It went beyond the call of friendship and his grasp of management skills was an enormous help.

The County Executive’s contest on August 7 is the most critical in decades. Whether you perceive yourself to be a Democrat or a Republican, I urge you to vote on August 7. The future of our region will depend on it.

Bob Glik, Olivette

Mark Osmack is an outstanding Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 2nd district. Mark is extremely articulate in explaining his own, unique ideas on exactly how he will improve the lives of U.S. citizens. Having served two tours in Afghanistan and receiving a bronze star, Mark is mature beyond his years. He is a product of public school education; he’s worked union jobs and has two degrees, completing the last one at night while working for Tammy Duckworth during the day. Mark is the candidate who can swing votes away from Ann Wagner. Mark and his large army of volunteers have knocked on over 15,000 doors, which will do more to gain him votes than giant, glossy flyers in your mailbox. On Aug. 7, vote for the first person on your congressional ballot, Mark Osmack.

Ellen Wentz, Kirkwood

Supreme Court nominee and Roe vs. Wade

With President Donald Trump’s nomination of U.S. Appellate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, the abortion issue now hangs in the balance. Retiring Justice Anthony  Kennedy is a conservative, but he has upheld the status quo on Roe vs. Wade — a woman’s right to an abortion — as he has established a reputation for being a swing voter. 

Kavanaugh, also a conservative, reportedly stands to the right of Kennedy, but it is unknown whether or not he would vote to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Hopefully, he would leave that 1973 landmark decision intact. Overturning Roe vs. Wade would be a dastardly blow for women’s reproductive rights. 

Although I consider myself to be a conservative, politically and ideologically, I consider myself a social liberal. I’ve always advocated and maintained that women have the right to control their own bodies, and that this right is sacrosanct. Under no circumstances, should anyone, or any court, be allowed to abrogate it. 

I only hope and pray that Kavanaugh, if confirmed by the Senate, feels the same way.

Gene Carton, Olivette