We have all heard it:

“Boy, that candidate sure is crazy.”

“He’s really got an agenda.”

“You can be sure she’s got ulterior motives for running.”

“She’s a Nazi …” “He’s a Marxist liberal.”

Election season is here, and with it comes one of the season’s favorite spectator sports—attacking candidates running for office.

While it is normal and healthy in political dialog to have disagreements about policies and the candidates’ stand on particular issues, let’s take a step back from the labels and vitriol to remember something important:

These men and women are putting themselves out there to represent us. Candidates for local office, our friends and neighbors, are doing it because they want to give back to the community.

True, they may have other motives, but if you ask anyone on the Nov. 2 ballot why they are running, they are sure to tell you that they sincerely want to help.

They sure aren’t doing it for the money. Many would be lucky to make back what they’ve spent on campaign posters and ads in the small stipends paid to supervisors and school board members.

If they do win, every trip to the grocery store or the post office or a quiet dinner out with family will turn into a day at the office, as constituents will approach them on everything from asking them to do something about a pothole on their street to complaints about Junior having to wear a mask when he’s at school. Add to that, the countless emails and phone calls.

On top of all this, once they declare their intention to run for office, they open themselves up to attack, ranging from letters on the editorial page to snarky comments on social media. It’s no wonder that others who would make excellent leaders if they just came forward won’t subject themselves to the process.

While there may be reason to find fault with a candidate’s platform or stand on a given issue, please take a long breath, especially before leveling a personal attack.

Instead of that, maybe just thank them for running. And let them know how much you agree with their views, or disagree with them, when you cast your vote.