Editorial: Observe local candidates outside their political campaigns

As political season begins to move into full swing, I want to put out a simple reminder that just like anything else, we must do our research on the candidates and get to know them.

Candidates will make themselves available for the next few months. Several speaking obligations along with public forums will provide us opportunities to ask questions and see their reactions. But one of the most common things we should do is see them outside of their campaigning practices. How are these candidates when they are in a common everyday environment? Are they going to be a representation of both the county and your beliefs when they are not on the job?

Candidates have everyday lives, but most of the interviews I have had with candidates also show that they have a desire to serve the people. That desire has to be one that translates to a lot of different avenues because the job that they may acquire is chosen by the people. Candidates are making a sacrifice from their everyday lives to take on this new obligation, but they must be doing it for the right reason when representing the people of their respective localities.

When you go to the polls this year (and I highly encourage everyone to go vote and not just wait on the presidential election), understand that local government is as important as state and federal government. You have the right to make a difference and the choice to make a difference as well. Your vote does count because once they are accumulated, your decision may swing the direction of a locality.

Finally, the most important thing to take away is for you to vote for the person that you are comfortable with in representing you. As with most election, there will be chatter about candidates, comments, deceitful statements, and other information that may or not may be true. That is why I continue to push for encouragement to get to know these people. Find the candidate that is right for you or is closest to representing to what you believe in. Everybody is not going to agree with your choices or beliefs, but the ability to make that type of choice and vote is a blessing.
Please vote on November 5, but make sure you know who you’re voting for before plunging into a four-year agreement with that person.