Heating Up

editorial-logo3As the temperature cools down, the political climate in the County and State is about to heat up. Though it escapes me why anyone would put themselves through the process of running for office, it is fortunate that some have the constitution, desire, and commitment to seek office. It has already started on the state and national level, the mud slinging, and I suspect that it will eventually make its way down to the local level, as well. There are many potential changes on the horizon, and change does not always bring out the best in a community. Some have a distinct opinion on which direction and person is best to serve in the various elected offices that are up for grabs, while others barely even know or care who is running for what. That divide of interest is a sad place to be. It has always been suspicious to me when someone is too involved in the political process and I wonder just what they have at stake. But, it is even more disturbing when community members have no idea what is going on in the world around them. Believe it or not, no matter how messy the process, the election process does impact every person whether they become involved or just let life happen to them.

The holidays are often the calm before the storm, and in any election season there will certainly be storms. For a few, the clouds are already accumulating on the horizon. I would caution to take everything heard this, and every, election cycle with a grain of salt. Research using credible sources, attend debates and speak to the candidates personally. Most importantly, think about the issues that are important and then vote your conscious. That is the way that considerate voters approach elections.

As for all the hoopla that surrounds most election seasons, I hope that we, as a community, take a pass. At the end of the day, when the final vote is tallied, we will have to come back together as a community and make peace with the results. I have witnessed what happens when groups of elected officials cannot put aside their differences and move on after the election is over. Fighting hard is fine, but we should always be sure that we are fighting for the right reasons and that we are not fighting each other. And, when it is over, we need to be good winners and good losers.

So, as you are signing petitions this pre-election season, put some thought into what and who you want to represent you but remember that everyone running has the right to respect and, at the end of the day, they are still our friends and neighbors. Community trumps politics every time.

Source: K. Depew, News Director