Editor, Gazette-Journal:

When citizens are willing to step forward to lead our community and willingly expose themselves to the scrutiny of the community, they deserve our respect. These good citizens receive so little pay that it probably doesn’t offset their expenses. It makes one wonder why they would subject themselves to this process. A person’s character will always direct you to the answer.

Now it becomes our job as good citizens to hire the best qualified candidates. We do this every day when we buy goods and services, and so we need to do it now for the good of our county.

As citizens, we are obligated to learn all we can about these candidates. Look at who makes financial promises to certain groups and casually promises your tax dollars to pet projects. Are any of these men tied to special interests? Is there a man who can’t manage his own money, but wants his hand on the county’s? Is there a candidate simply running because of a personal grievance ...