Over the past decade or so, the line between red and blue — that is, between Republican and Democrat — has gotten wider. It’s no longer a line; it’s a gaping divide that sometimes seems like it cannot or, more likely, will not be bridged. Pervasive in politics is the idea that “you’re either with us or against us” and the lines of communication once open between parties have, alternately, disappeared.

This doesn’t just happen on a state and national level, it happens locally as well. Words have taken on new, and dirty, meanings: a “liberal” will spend all your money and raise your taxes; a “conservative” doesn’t care about you just as long as he (or she) and their buddies have got theirs. Unfortunately, voters often get sucked in by the rhetoric and wind up overlooking the most important qualities necessary in an office holder.

There are several.

The first is the understanding that an elected official does not solely represent the people who voted him or her into office. An elected official in Beaufort County represents all residents here: rich, poor, black, brown, white, young, elderly, educated, uneducated, natives and transplants.

The second is the ability to listen to his or her constituents’ concerns, regardless of whether he agrees with that person’s point of view, to gain a true understanding of Beaufort County’s needs.

A third quality is the ability to have civil discourse with those with whom they do not agree, to keep a cool head under pressure and take part in the exchange of ideas, respecting the thoughts and opinions of others while at the same time putting forward their own ideas, thoughts and opinions.

Another is the ability to work toward solutions, instead of simply pointing a finger and looking for someone to blame for Beaufort County’s problems.

By far, the most important thing an elected official needs is their constituents’ confidence that this person is going to do everything in their power to make Beaufort County a better place — that they will put their own prejudices and needs aside for those they represent, for the betterment of all.

Forget about red and blue, liberal and conservative. This is who we need in office.

Vote on Tuesday.