Pick carefully: The names are beginning to come in to lead county, state

Now that the floodgates are officially open, hopefuls who want to either keep their job or who want a chance to serve are beginning to sign up at the county Board of Elections office.

And there are some very familiar names and a couple of new ones on those lists.

One common fact about elections is that there are better times to pick someone who truly will represent a community well.

When there is a vote at stake, some candidates will say anything to placate a potential supporter -- or will divert attention away from their true feelings on an issue with an answer their audience wants to hear.

So, sometimes, we get fooled into thinking we have elected one person, but we get another entirely.

There are some important jobs on the ballot this year -- and there will be a number of people who want the chance to fill them.

It is especially important that we look very, very carefully at who would be the best representative for this community and who has the record and experience to get the job done.

Wayne County needs strong leadership and people who understand the specific needs of this community -- and it is particularly important that we make sure that happens this time around.

There are questions to be asked and records to be examined -- and that is work that needs to take place well before residents hit the ballot boxes.

Published in Editorials on February 13, 2014 10:18 AM