Endorsements Are Only As Good As The Source

Recently I was asked if I would be interested in placing a couple of election signs on my front yard. I declined.

Why? Well, the reason is simple: I want to remain neutral in this personality contest. There is enough opinion out there in the newspapers and elsewhere about the candidates, and their positions. There have been several interviews written in which the candidates spoke their minds as to where they stand.

Quite frankly, there is nothing else to add. The voter can read the interviews, talk to friends and neighbors, and get a good sense of who to vote for. An endorsement from someone writing an essentially non-political blog will do nothing to help the individual, and the same with any statement of non-endorsement. Keep in mind, an endorsement, or non-endorsement of a candidate has to come from a source that is held in high regard. I'm not there yet.

Now, don't misunderstand me, it is not that I am not interested. I am, very much so, but my opinion in the grand scheme of things does not matter a bit. I have a great deal of self esteem, but am not so overly "all-about-me" that I feel I should force feed my opinion on this election down an others throat. Give us the facts, tell us where you stand, and what your plans are if elected to office, and we'll do the rest based on your past history in office, or involvement in the community. We don't need to be led to the polls by others with issues. We can speak, and vote very well for ourselves.

Now, that being said, I want to make clear that although I may not be offering an endorsement for anyone particular candidate, since it is out of my realm, one thing that is still within my skills, and desire is to continue to write about my thoughts, that's a given. Sometimes those thoughts are about dreams I have to make our place better, prettier, or more functional. Then there are those thoughts about our history, and the people that brought us to where we are today, and are going to bring us into our future.

No, there is no need for me to endorse anyone at this point, the candidates are all honorable people, and obviously care a great deal about the town they wish to represent. I'll wait, and watch how the those elected to office perform, and then I may offer an opinion or two as time goes on.

One more thing. If those that are elected show up to the first board meeting in a Clown Car, then all bets are off.