Politicians could better serve their constituents — and get elected in the process — if they rethink the whole concept of campaign events.

The typical campaign stop simply doesn’t do much to inform voters of why candidates should be elected or what solutions they bring to the table.

As a Tribune staff reporter recently said, these stops are basically meeting with people who already like them, talking about how great they are and how bad their opponents are.

This may be more of a problem on a state and national level than it is with local candidates because many of them spend a lot of time going door to door.

As summer winds down, the campaigning will really heat up.

Politicians would be far better served by not creating these carefully controlled environments and simply getting out and talking with the people.

During these tough economic times, voters don’t want to hear rhetoric, empty promises or soundbytes. They want to hear legitimate plans and concrete visions that can move our community, our state and our nation forward.

Too often these staged events don’t allow for the public to even ask questions or have any direct conversation with candidates.

Voters should try to see through these flimsy appearances and remember who rose to the challenge.

The difference might mean we get a public servant instead of a politician.