Labor Day Is Over, Races Now Are On For Nov. 8

The Labor Day kick-off toward the Nov. 8 election is now underway.

The hand-shaking and back-slapping of political season is nigh upon us.

So let's get a few questions to ask the candidates seeking office.

How about: Why are you running?

At times this seems to be one that only a few can really answer.

Or this: Do you have the time to do this part-time job and represent the (insert office title) voters?

And here is a better one: If you are going back to a county office, state office or local office as a candidate seeking re-election: Why should we send you back?

Or exactly what have you done to secure our vote and confidence?

I tend to listen to the answers to these questions when asked of the candidate.

I want the candidate to feel good about his or her effort to get elected, ask the public for their vote and support.

I also want to see if they (the candidates) are really listening to the questions they are asked as they work the crowds at a pancake breakfast, pie supper or community gathering.

Ask the candidates why they are running. You deserve to know what they are thinking.

Between this week and Nov. 8, I'll have some questions for local candidates to write down their answers.

I hope you will read their answers and make your decision in the polling booth on their words and not the words of flyers, advertisements, or rumor.

Let's hear it from the candidates' own mouths -- not those of a spokesperson.

Remember Oct. 10 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election.

MAYLON RICE, AN AWARD-WINNING COLUMNIST, HAS WRITTEN BOTH NEWS AND COLUMNS FOR SEVERAL NWA PUBLICATIONS AND HAS BEEN WRITING FOR THE ENTERPRISE-LEADER FOR SEVERAL YEARS.