Our Viewpoint

Fall is in the air. Leaves are turning, the mornings are cooler, and the sun is setting earlier. The kids are back in the routine of school, and people are putting their gardens to bed for the winter.

It’s time to start thinking about the other big activity this fall - election season.

Once again, as a county newspaper and a trusted source for factual information, I will be doing my best to provide voters and readers with information to help you make educated decisions on Nov. 8, general election day.

As I wrote several weeks ago, we as voters will be deciding on all but one elected official position this fall. I’m still unable to completely comprehend the changes that we could see when the winners of the Nov. 8 election are sworn in next January. It’s hard to envision the potential changes to our county government. That is just one reason it’s important to educate yourself as a voter.

This week, I sent a series of questions to local candidates. The answers to those questions, as well as brief profiles on the local candidates, will be published in these pages in October.

Also, on Oct. 4 and 5, The Ledger will sponsor candidate forums at The Rex Theater. The forums will be 6-9 p.m. that Tuesday and Wednesday, with different races featured on each evening. I have encouraged the candidates – and I will encourage voters – to attend both nights of the forum. The candidates will be there both nights to meet with voters after the organized portion of the evening to answer your specific questions.

The forums we held ahead of the primary were well attended, and the candidates were respectful to each other. That is my hope as we near the general election. I hope candidates and their supporters will focus on their strengths and not the weaknesses of their opponents.

I hope that with the resources and information provided by The Ledger forums and profiles, all voters have an opportunity to get to know their candidates, and feel confident and educated as they head to the polls.

Happy Election Season!

— Annie Wooden