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RFH 2010, Cover Stories, Editorials

Editorial: Let's be Smart About Coming Election

Mon, Sep 26, 2011

Nov. 8 is an important date in the life of the Town of Hamilton.

On that day, voters will chose a new supervisor and place two people on the board of trustees.

Here's hoping the campaign and the election are undertaken by all concerned with the understanding that their conduct and the outcome carry weight like never before. This may very well be the most important town election in recent memory because the stakes are so high.

The new supervisor and the board will face some significant challenges, issues that have the potential to reshape not just the town, but the lives of people who call it home. Because of this, we have to hope that it will not be business as usual.

This election is too important to be allowed to disintegrate to the strictly partisan level. We have already heard people lament they are bracing for a nasty election; not a hard fought one, but one laced with the kind of odious behavior we have come to expect elsewhere.

We don't believe in any sort of loyalty oath or litmus test, but candidates must agree to behave civilly. More importantly, so must their supporters.

In the past we have heard of stupid stunts like lawn signs being stolen; unfounded rumors circulated; personal attacks. Let's not let them begin; if/when they do start, they need to be shouted down by all candidates and both parties. We need to be better than that.

And, we need to do a better job of being an informed electorate.

We hope the Hamilton Rotary -- through the Hamilton Forum -- will organize a meet the candidates event as they did with the village election this past spring. But, we hope they do it better this time. If they do a forum, the questions cannot be softballs lobbed so the candidates can hit home runs. And, the entire audience -- not just the politically-connected -- has to be allowed to ask meaningful, specific follow-up questions. The forum should facilitate serious discussion on a par with the magnitude of the issues these candidates will face if elected.

The Rotary also ought to consider having more than one forum, and moving it from the library's community room to a venue elsewhere in the town as well. Acknowledge that the town is more than just the village.

It is good to see that voters have some clear choices. Republicans and Democrats alike have solid slates of candidates. Let's be sure they:

  • are asked to campaign vigorously and fairly;
  • are questioned thoroughly and made to explain their positions;
  • and that we elect the best women or men possible and do not just pull a lever with a party name attached.

Let's, in short, treat this campaign and election with the respect it deserves. It is not hyperbole to suggest the future of the town is at stake.   

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