They've got to earn it.

With the March primary election fast approaching it's time for us voters to begin getting to know the candidates so we can make intelligent choices in the voting booth. Some candidates make that an easy task and others do not. Unless you know each candidate personally you're limited to the information they choose to put out. Perhaps some will get newspaper interviews that will give us a glimpse and maybe others will do direct mailings that will hopefully be more than just feel-good fluff. I think the best way a candidate can get a lot of information out about themselves is through a web site. There are lots of nearly free options available so I see no excuse for any candidate not having a website that answers nearly any question a voter may have. This is 2010 and campaign websites are extremely relevant with today's voters.

To the voters: Make the candidates earn your vote. Don't vote for a sign or the person who has the most. Get to know who you're voting for. If they make it too hard for you to do that then move on to another name. We've got enough politicians in office that are unpredictable and uninterested in their constituency so let's not add to those numbers. To the contrary, let's start replacing them.

Many voters hold on to the notion that voting for an outsider in a three-way (or more) race is a "throw away" vote. Don't fall into that trap and end up voting for your second or third choice. Instead, support your candidate by talking to your friends, family and neighbors and then vote your conscience. You can help turn your candidate into a front-runner.

To the candidates: No opposed incumbent is safe. Even a few years ago an office holder had a huge advantage, but we the people want accountability now. We're awake and paying attention. Those of you that have been around a while and those who are stepping up this cycle need to be ready to defend your positions, have clear campaign goals and be ready to deal with the voters face-to-face and tell us why we should vote for you.

This system of government we have is still the best in the world despite all its flaws, but most of those flaws are from greedy, power-hungry politicians. The tide is turning though and true representation is the new trend. We've got to stay engaged and hold accountable all who gain the office they seek.

A.J.

A.J. Mathieu

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