×

Try to get to know all of your candidates

Thursday night, the Weirton Woman’s Club hosted a “Meet the Candidates” event in Weirton.

Eleven candidates attended, most representing elections in Hancock County, but a few of those seeking office for a statewide position also were there.

I personally thank the members of the Woman’s Club for taking the time to organize such an event. It’s not easy getting a group of candidates together for a single event, or to get residents to attend.

In fact, there were a few who didn’t attend.

There was a nice crowd of residents in attendance, although I know some of the organizers were concerned when it approached 7 p.m. and the room appeared almost empty. Folks showed up though, and while there were certainly empty seats, I believe those who were in attendance left more informed than when they arrived.

Even though each candidate was given only five minutes during the event, each made their presentations count and several stuck around after to meet individually with residents.

I’m not going to get into details of what was said, or my impression of the candidates. It’s not my place to try to encourage you to vote one way or another. That is something that, hopefully, each candidate will take the time to do themselves.

My only encouragement in this case is to urge all of our residents to attend these events when they become available.

Many candidates take the time to go door-to-door through the communities in our area. Some set up websites and social media pages. Others walk in parades or show up at local fairs and festivals.

Whatever type of event or communication it may be, though, our local voters should absolutely take that opportunity to speak to a candidate or hear what they say.

There are several races locally which already have been determined, or have unopposed candidates, but there still are some which will need to be determined by the voters.

I always encourage our residents to make use of this time, especially in the weeks prior to an election, to do as much as they can to read up on those seeking to represent them.

You, the voters, have a responsibility to be informed about those hoping to be elected into an office. It doesn’t matter the position. You are putting your trust into a person when you vote for them, and that trust should be earned.

That means being as informed as possible about where each individual stands on the issues — all the issues, not just those you feel are important.

It takes effort and recognizing the responsibility each of us has as part of the system of government we have in place in this nation.

There are certain to be other meet the candidate events, candidate forums, debates or whatever label may be applied before Nov. 8.

No matter what political party you may affiliate yourself with, I hope each of you take the time to attend these events when they happen.

Take a couple of hours out of your day to learn about those interested in leading our cities, counties, state and nation.

You may find yourself surprised by where a person stands, and see your support go to someone else.

The decision is yours now, but they will be the ones making the decisions for the next few years.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today