For the last few weeks and the next two, voters will be reading a lot of articles about the men and women who are running for office this November.

Saturday, October 16, 1999

For the last few weeks and the next two, voters will be reading a lot of articles about the men and women who are running for office this November.

And, so far, most of the candidates for school board, village and city councils and mayor have had a lot to say.

There are several races on the November ballot that have more than five candidates. That means voters will have that many more people to choose from when they mark their ballot – and that much harder a decision about who is right for the job.

The key to determining which person will best represent your child’s school district – or which one will best spend your hard-earned tax dollars – is not whom he or she is related to and what political connections they have. Past political grudges should not be a factor, either.

Making the right choice requires voters to know what a candidate stands for – and what he or she plans to do for his or her community or school district if elected.

Pay attention to the comments made by political hopefuls in the newspapers and at candidates’ nights. If they don’t have much to say, discard them. They cannot possibly represent your community effectively if they are running for a job they know absolutely nothing about before they sign up.

And, if you have a question, ask before you vote.

Preparation before the election could prevent a whole lot of sorrow and complaining afterwards.