Other views

By Staff
Voters should weigh their options
Editor:
With the upcoming elections in November, I would like to take this opportunity to address some issues concerning it. Many people locally are running for mayor and council in Hartselle. Some things come to my mind that could come to everyone's mind also. We need to ask ourselves some questions as to the qualification of the candidates.
First: Are they affiliated with special interest organizations or are they serious about moving Hartselle, and the people of Hartselle, forward? Are they "political hacks" for certain people or groups? Have they any expertise or experience in the area of city government? Have they ever owned or operated a business or been in a business environment?
Second: It is my and many other's opinion that when a candidate desiring a council position has affiliations with, or sits on, numerous boards, committees or chambers, it is not beneficial to the general public (i.e. special interest.) When this happens, it diminishes the capacity for unbiased thinking and logic of the elected official.
Third: There should be at least three debates with the candidates. The debates should be at the Civic Center. There needs to be only two moderators for these debates: Leada DeVaney of the Hartselle Enquirer and D'Angelo McDaniel of the Decatur Daily. Questions should be submitted to either of these two people, in advance of the debates, and only they should decide what questions are pertinent to the best interest of all citizens of Hartselle.
We need to elect good qualified people that will put the people of Hartselle first, not political allies. It is also many citizens' opinions that the next council should take steps to bring Hartselle Utilities back under the umbrella of city government, so some accountability can be established as to where our hard-earned money is being spent. This, my friends, is a no-brainer.
Think hard about the decisions you make in November. Friendship should be the last factor in your decision of candidates. Responsibility, dedication and accountability of their decisions should be on the forefront of their agendas.
Mike Dowdy
Hartselle
Political letters to the editor policy
The Hartselle Enquirer will publish letters endorsing local political candidates each week through Aug. 12. No endorsement letters will be published in the Aug. 19 edition of the Enquirer. All letters must be signed by the author, contain a phone number and be less than 200 words. If numerous letters are received about one candidate, a representative sampling will be published. No libelous letters will be published and letters should deal with the chosen candidate's strengths, not address the opposition. The Editor reserves the right not to publish any letter that does not meet these standards. The deadline for receiving letters is Monday at 5 p.m. prior to Thursday publication. Send your letters to news@hartselleenquirer.com or fax to 773-1953.
– – The Editor