It’s often referred to as the “silly season,” but, in some areas, it could just as well be termed, “the sleazy season.” Sadly, there are some who are so obsessed with the notion of being in elective office that they’d lie, cheat, and maybe even attempt to destroy an opponent, or someone they disagree with. To these types, nothing is off limits; not even the family of someone they want to defeat. It’s a deplorable tactic, usually reserved for national or statewide campaigns. But, when it happens in a local setting, it’s much more stressful for the candidates because they live in the area and have to face friends and neighbors daily, while trying to defend against potshots from cretins who often hide behind anonymity. In past campaigns, those who ran were trashed unmercifully, during, and even after, doing their civic duty.

     We need to rise above such lowlife behavior if we expect to get decent people to dedicate some time and talent in service to their respective communities. Debating the issues with facts, figures and reasonable opinions will provide the candidate with an image that voters will be proud to have representing them. Conversely, the candidate who aligns him/herself with tactics that reduce the level of civility in the democratic process will only bring shame to themselves and to the city they seek to help govern. This newspaper will be on the alert for the mudslingers in our midst and will not hesitate to name them and criticize them. If we don’t get good people to run for office, we’ll have to settle for those who have the least to offer, but the most to gain. Yet, in order for any city to prosper, it should be the other way around.