Our Voice: A wish list for this election season

Now that we’ve gotten the inconsequential presidential primary out of the way in Washington, it’s time to focus on matters where voters can have an impact.

The deadline for candidates to file their intent to run for office in the fall elections passed last week. Voters will have the opportunity to elect a governor and several other state officials, U.S. Senate and House races are up for grabs, and candidates for judge from the Supreme Court to Superior Court have their hats in the ring.

Locally, both counties have commission races, though in Benton County no one filed against either incumbent Jerome Delvin or Jim Beaver. Franklin County voters will have a choice between two candidates in each of the commission competitions there.

And while we may dread the proliferation of campaign signs that will soon be upon us, this is a big election and a time for both voters and candidates to do their homework.

We have a wish list of sorts for this election season.

We hope that our state candidates will conduct their campaigns with more decorum and dignity than those running for president. The scene playing out across our nation is an embarrassment in many ways, with the focus being more on the personalities and quirks than on the issues at hand.

As an editorial board, we’ll eventually have to recommend a candidate for president. That’s going to be a tough discussion, and we’re glad we have a few more months before that decision must be made.

On a state and local level, we applaud those who have filed for office and implore them to put their best foot forward. Know the issues, know the office and its responsibilities and be prepared.

If the candidate is running for a seat that includes regularly scheduled meetings like a county government or a public utility commission, attend the meetings and read the minutes. Get a copy of the budget and study it. A depth of knowledge is at your fingertips by visiting the agency’s website or filing a request for public records.

Run a thoughtful campaign, with the focus on what truly needs to change or improve to make the lives of those represented better. Understand the duty and fiduciary responsibility that comes with holding public office. Be clear on the time commitment needed. Run the race like you expect to win and know the consequences of victory.

Becoming a candidate for public office is a selfless act, and one that deserves respect. The willingness to dedicate time and energy on behalf of the electorate takes a special type of person.

But not everyone who declares their candidacy is suited to the job. Our great democracy affords us the choice and freedom to select the candidate we believe is superior in most cases, the recent primary excluded.

For those who do not make it past the primary in August or those who eventually lose out in November, do so with grace. Lead by example and be good losers. Clean up your campaign signs, congratulate the victor and hold your head high.

For the voters, be mindful and a student of the candidates. These decisions will have significant impact at the state and local level.

We’ll have the opportunity to interview many of those running for office in the months ahead and will provide our recommendations as the primary and general election nears.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 1:25 AM with the headline "Our Voice: A wish list for this election season."