THUMBS UP

For Mercer Island for its participation in the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative that was honored at the White House on Sept. 16. First lady Michelle Obama, commended cities for providing opportunities for citizens to lead healthier lives, despite “dealing with tight budgets and competing priorities.”

THUMBS UP

For the slew of candidate forums — both public and private — being held for candidates vying for the five seats up for election on the Mercer Island City Council. Well-informed voters are necessary to elect those who will lead our government in the upcoming years. If you haven’t met the candidates, they’ve all been invited to a forum Oct. 14 sponsored by the Reporter and the League of Women Voters.

THUMBS DOWN

For those candidates at the GOP presidential debate last week who waffled or outright perpetrated the fallacy that vaccines for children are linked to autism. As the Autistic Self Advocacy Network said in a statement: “Autism is not caused by vaccines — and Autistic Americans deserve better than a political rhetoric that suggests that we would be better off dead than disabled.”

THUMBS UP

For the Mercer Island girls swim and dive team that, in just two meets, has qualified swimmers for the state tournament in five events. Calling them “dominant” is an understatement.

THUMBS DOWN

For GOP candidate Donald Trump for not correcting a questioner at one of his events who said: “We have a problem in this country. It’s called Muslims. We know our current president is one.”  Those who wish to be president should not tolerate such religious bigotry.