To the Editor:

We live in the greatest country in the world, but we have serious challenges — challenges that threaten our future and need to be addressed. Unfortunately, our elected leaders, in many cases, look at these challenges as opportunities for them personally or as a party to score political points. Many of us are frustrated and concerned about the tone of our elected officials and the hyper-partisanship that makes “compromise” a dirty word.

In December, a new group — No Labels — was launched with the goal of encouraging our elected officials to work together and put the good of the country before their party labels. This isn’t a third party. It is for Democrats, Republicans and Independents who believe that we may disagree and be passionate about our beliefs, but we can be civil and respectful towards one other — that demonizing and vilifying others with different opinions is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Our first goal is to organize local groups in every congressional district so that we may monitor and track our members of Congress to ensure they are not playing hyper-partisan games. We want to provide support to them when they put aside their labels and work with others across party lines. Everyone interested is invited to our first meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 in Waynesville.  For additional information, contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information about No Labels, visit nolabels.org.

Terri McGovern

Waynesville