Bee Editorial
Take the summer to decide which candidates will fall
Election season is right around the corner, and several candidates are beginning to throw their respective hats in the ring for a number of positions that are on the Nov. 6 ballot.

We at The Amherst Bee have been receiving an influx of e-mails, press releases and phone calls from campaign managers and the candidates themselves requesting "space" and "time" for their messages to be heard.

And while we too find it a little crazy deciphering some of these messages and the "new ideas" contained therein, we know it's time to get serious and find out who's who in the political polls for 2007.

Just this past week, the Democrats vying to be president gathered together for a YouTube conference, where citizens e-mailed "real" questions, such as would the candidates work for minimum wage.

For an average citizen, there are several ways to "get out" there and meet the candidates. First, take advantage of all your media resources, especially the Internet. Many of these candidates have taken to the Web, creating their own pages where they regularly list appearances and speeches. This is an opportunity for you, the voter, to meet and greet these candidates.

Of course, we are not suggesting anything along the lines of stalking a candidate, but if you have serious concerns and questions, then why not go directly to the source who is claiming he or she is in the race to make your life better.

Secondly, attend all the meetings you can that involve these candidates. This way you can get a taste of how they interact in a position of authority, if they already hold one. What is the decision-making method? Does the candidate take a general interest in public concerns? These are questions you need to ask about those running for office - people who want to more or less run your life in a political sense.

It may be surprising to some residents, but most endorsements have already been made and fundraising events taken place. Meanwhile, campaigning is under way at every festival in the candidates' jurisdiction.

This year is shaping up to have all the major players: the incumbent, the "nonpolitician" and the professional business candidate. Each come with a different perspective. Which one best represents your needs?

If the statement, "No better time than the present " ever held true, it's in politics. If you are one of many who think summer is flying by, just wait for the fall when primaries are held, campaign signs decorate the town and debates are held. It'll be Nov. 6 before you know it.