Local candidates need to step forward, share views

Everyone likes to complain — now's the time to do something.

Don't like the way the city is being run — elections are in November

While dozens of presidential candidates are making news by sniping away at each other, local politics will likely have a far greater impact on us. Elections are just five months away.

Council races will be taking place this fall in most local communities as mayoral races in a few as well.

In every case, candidates' views on growth will endear them to or alienate them from voters.

No other issue ranks anywhere close to this one on the local political horizon.

It doesn't take much imagination to see how important the next few months are for cities like Sandpoint, Ponderay and Dover — not to mention the county overall. When extremists from either end of the growth spectrum see such a window of opportunity opening, there's little to stop them from tossing their hats in the ring.

We believe ardently in the democratic process and welcome to the competition anyone who wishes to be a community leader. With so much at stake, we encourage candidates to step forward early, to make their platforms known and to engage the public in honest, open discussion.

More candidate forums are needed, and more opportunities should be created for citizens to meet their prospective representatives face-to-face.

Bonner County's communities are coming to critical crossroads. They will best be represented to the degree voters can be familiar with their candidates.

That means we all need to get informed, talk to candidates, find out where they stand and how they would vote on issues near and dear to our hearts — and then get out and vote.

Remember, if you don't vote this November and you don't like the outcome, you can't complain.