It is that time during the campaign season when candidates desperate for victory engage in tactics that don’t always make sense. They sling and fling in hopes of squeaking ahead of their opponent in tight races.

Most of the City of Houston and local campaigns have been fairly friendly this year. There is a slate running against the “drainage fee” as they call it or the “Rebuild Houston” initiative as supporters reference it. This was the additional fee that was approved by voters in 2010 to provide drainage and street repair dollars in a dedicated fund. The referendum was approved by voters but others have continued to object.

Even among this slate of candidates, however, things have been fairly played. They state their opposition to those incumbents that voted for it and stress their opposition. Of course, most of them have not been well-funded so they did not have the funds to viciously attack.

The most significant negative campaign tactic has emerged over the weekend as incumbent HISD Trustee for District III, Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, sent a mail piece attacking his opponent’s support from the gay community and accusing him of being gay while touting his own family connections. Rodriguez has served as President of the HISD Board and is currently First Vice President.

This race has been one of the most competitive in town and many people have considered Rodriguez likely to lose to Ramiro Fonseca. Most Elected Officials from the area have endorsed Fonseca.

Thus, in a desperate attempt to win re-election, he attacked his opponent personally. This is a leader on a school board that abhors bullying and has a strong anti-discrimination policy.

Others have discussed this incident in detail but I think I have been most bothered by the bullying connection. Students are suffering from bullying and we have had several cases of suicide among students in our region related to this offense. And yet, a leader on the Board of one of the largest school boards in the U.S. resorts to name-calling and essentially, bullying, a candidate over being different.

We usually say that all is fair in politics. Issues, votes and even personal behavior are subject to campaign attacks. A good example is incumbent Council Member Jolanda Jones. She is enduring an onslaught of attacks – both as a Council Member and as a candidate. While her opponents may mention her “character”, they have not stooped to these kinds of tactics.

Mr. Rodriguez crossed the line. Is it really that important to retain your position? And what kind of example are you setting for the students in HISD? Is it o.k. for kids to pick on students that might be different? And if you say it is not, how will you defend your position? Even the Houston Chronicle rescinded their endorsement of Mr. Rodriguez late Sunday afternoon.

Even in their campaigns, candidates and incumbents need to apply basic ethical standards.

Tuesday is Election Day! Please exercise your right to vote!