Is the sea of candidates running for office starting to make your eyes swim? Do all of their campaign pledges sound like just more of the same pablum candidates come up with when they have nothing else to say?<!—->.

Friday, October 29, 1999

Is the sea of candidates running for office starting to make your eyes swim? Do all of their campaign pledges sound like just more of the same pablum candidates come up with when they have nothing else to say?

You are not alone. Choosing among several candidates for office can be frustrating at best and a toss-up at its worst.

The qualities that make a good officeholder are not necessarily the same ones that make a good neighbor or relative.

As you listen to the candidates’ speeches and review their ads this weekend, look for men and women who seem to have given some thought to what they want to see for their community or school district. Look for concrete ideas and willingness to take a stand for what they believe is right. Rule out any candidate who seems to have no real idea about what a school board member, village councilman or mayor actually does.

Candidates who throw out generalities and seem to be trying to make all sides happy will do the same thing when they are elected. That is not the way to make good decisions or to be a catalyst for progress in your community or school district.

A good family name and being a nice person are not enough to make someone a good candidate for office. It takes an understanding of not only how government works, but a commitment to putting the greater good ahead of personalities and politics, to serve your community effectively.

Choosing the right person for the job requires an equal attention to detail.