The upcoming general elections deserve the attention and involvement of all citizens.
Chances are many voters will be deciding new council, county, state legislative, state and congressional policy makers, because the state, counties and communities have been redistricted.
Many voters should be inspired by the need to elect the best persons possible to elected positions which makes a stronger Democracy, so necessary since it is under attack by terrorists.
An exciting race for Governor will result in a new state leader to pick up the pieces of the Jesse Ventura era.
These ECM newspapers are dedicated and equipped to cover these local, state and congressional offices to sharpen the real differences between the candidates.
Each ECM editor has the guidelines to report fairly the newsworthy views of each candidate and to publish a Voters Guide.
ECM Newspapers has a State Capitol Reporter, Tim Budig, who will report significant state and congressional campaigns for these newspapers and the ECM Web Site.
Our on-line News Managing Editor Howard Lestrud will publish daily, even hourly the major developments of the campaigns. The Web Site address is: http://www.hometownsource.com/capitol/
These newspapers have an editorial board that will endorse candidates for the U. S. Senate, the U. S. Congress and for Governor. These endorsement decisions will be based mainly on personal interviews of the candidates. Local editors are involved in the endorsement panels of the congressional candidates. Endorsements will be decided on who will be the best office holder, without regard to political parties.
While some disagree newspapers should endorse, we believe it is the duty of newspapers who report on-going the actions and records of office holders, to recommend to voters who would serve them best.
September 11th has aroused America, renewed its spirit and strengthened its resolve to protect its freedoms.
Voting is an important part of protecting freedoms by electing the best decision makers, but Americans have the responsibility to discover the background of the candidates and learn their stands on important issues.
Editor’s note: This editorial was a product of the ECM Editorial Board.
