Tonkin's run as a Democrat insults voters

To the Editor:
The million dollar question from voters with regards to why Mr. Tonkin deciding to run as a Republican on the Democratic ticket is still out there. Quite frankly, the answer is simple — that is his right.

However, just because Mr. Tonkin has that right, it does not mean it is the right thing to do. The bigger question is why? Why would Mr. Tonkin cause such an upheaval in the local voting process? Isn't it bad enough that we have to deal with a split Republican party nationally? Mr. Tonkin has chosen to bring that split locally to Pike County, where the people's vote actually counts.

For me, the answer of why is obvious: selfishness. His agenda is his own. The people of the Republican party voted. Ray Tonkin lost, Kelly Gaughan won, and he could not gracefully respect the democratic process of his own party.

To further insult the local voter, Mr. Tonkin is utilizing his right to go on the Democratic ticket — but as a Republican! Really Mr. Tonkin! If you don't respect the vote of the Republican voters and you don't respect the Democratic Party enough to switch, who do you respect? Certainly not law enforcement. They have endorsed Kelly Gaughan. How can Mr. Tonkin expect to continue his duties as a district attorney when he has lost the respect of the voter as well as the very people he needs to work with in order to put crime to rest in Pike County?

And lastly, I am a veteran. I have become very involved with helping veterans in this community and it pains me deeply to hear Mr. Tonkin talk about a veterans court now. Now after seven years of nothing. Now, after Kelly Gaughan has had the veterans court as part of her platform, along with a drug court and child advocacy center since the very beginning of her desire to be district attorney.

On Nov. 3, whether Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever, we the voter get to choose. We get to choose the right person, the only person. The person whose experience and willingness to always put family and community first. The only person who is endorsed by law enforcement throughout the state. The only person who can successfully perform her duties as district attorney for Pike County with that support. We get to choose Kelly Gaughan. We get to exercize our right to vote. We get to choose Kelly Gaughan — she is for the people.

Fausta Phelan
U.S Army Veteran and Pike County Resident