Three years and three elections! That is what the public has been experiencing in West Virginia. If the voters are tired, imagine how our candidates and party volunteers must feel. We are, indeed, fortunate that many people have the courage of their convictions and present themselves and their ideas to the public for election. Fortunately, usually there are some pleasant surprises both in the unexpected quality of some candidates and those elected to public office
Too many voters are not well informed. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, they choose to vote for personality rather then substance. Or, they default to their family's political party preference. The solution to this lack of understanding is a long-term process, including the teaching of "civics" and government in our public schools. Meanwhile, if you haven't voted yet, perhaps the Voter Guide published in the Oct. 23rd Parkersburg News and Sentinel will be useful. Thanks to the candidates who responded to questions presented by the League of Women Voters, and to The News and Sentinel.
I believe the political climate in our country has been disturbed to where we have a confusing and disagreeable mixture of things. Most unfortunate is the fragmentation of the Republican Party's usual values by the an ideological fringe which doesn't understand the power of compromise in the democratic process. Equally bad, they intimidated Republican Congressmen into signing a "No Tax" pledge, thus surrendering one of their most valued functions.
Because of the current national political climate, I believe local citizens will be best served by voting for Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and 1st District Congressional candidate Democrat Sue Thorn, who lacks a large financial war chest but is running a powerful grassroots campaign.
Locally, the Wood County Democratic Party has the best slate of candidates it has presented in years. Your vote and influence for these candidate will provide a solid group of officeholders.
Harold D. Brown
Parkersburg
EDITOR'S NOTE: Harold Brown is chairman of the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee.
