Published: August 20, 2008 10:16 am         

Vote for those who will do the most for you, your town

Commentary by Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



During this election season, I’ve written several political columns that were goofy, silly and not very important in the grand scheme of things.

However, seeing how this will be the last commentary I’ll be able to write before the Aug. 26 elections, I figured it was time to get serious for a moment.

Next Tuesday, voters in Gardendale, Kimberly, Morris, Warrior and Trafford will go to the polls to elect new leadership. Mayors in Warrior and Morris are seeking re-election. Additionally, there are a lot of incumbent council members who’d like to be voted back in.

Being a leader in any of these cities will take a person of high moral fibre, who will do what is best for his or her constituents. It takes a great amount of sacrifice for a public servant to place the needs of the city above their needs. Basically, being an elected public servant is a full-time job, whether you realize it or not. Residents need to cast their votes for someone who is going to always be available to them and will listen to their concerns.

Residents and candidates alike have asked me if we’re going to endorse anyone for any of the city council elections. The answer is “yes” and “no.”

I am not going to endorse any specific candidates. We’ve certainly tried to offer our readers the most unbiased election coverage possible on each of the candidates. We hope we’ve informed our readers enough for them to vote for the right man or woman that will benefit their cities when it is time to choose their leaders.

Each town we’ve covered during this election season has its own personality and therefore, has its own issues when it comes to what needs to be accomplished. That being said, we are simply endorsing the best and most qualified candidates in each of these towns and cities who have the ability to make Gardendale, Kimberly, Morris, Trafford and Warrior the best towns and cities they can be.

So who are these candidates? That is up to you, the voter.

When you arrive at your designated polling place next Tuesday, you will have some very important decisions to make. How will you decide? What is your criteria for effective leadership?

Voting for your city leaders should not be a popularity contest. Just because you attend church with a candidate or he or she is in your gardening club, doesn’t necessarily make that person an effective candidate.

Vote with your heart and your conscience, and vote for the person who is most likely to get the job done. The wonderful thing about our country is that no one has to know how you vote unless you tell someone else.

Above all, just vote. We are blessed to live in a country that freely allows us to choose our leaders, and on Aug. 26 you will have the chance to exercise that right.

Don’t squander it.