DEAR EDITOR:
If you are serious about electing the best candidates for public office in Trumbull County, voters should consider educating themselves on candidates and issues before stepping into the voting booth.
Voters may see a name on the ballot they recognize because they have seen that name there many times before, but understand, this does not necessarily mean this person is the best qualified person for this position at this time. It only means that they recognize the name. Voters should be open enough and responsible enough to learn about a new name and face. It just may be a new individual might be the best and most qualified choice.
Instead of suggesting that seeing more than one candidate on the ballot for one position is an affront to the current elected official, it may just be what our forefathers envisioned to give the citizenry a choice to make the democracy strong. It is up to the voters to make sure choices are available for each and every election, indeed qualified choices. This is the democratic way. Anything else would make this no democracy at all.
Let the incumbent prove he is the best candidate, not the only candidate. Sometimes after holding a political office for a long time, it's easy for the office holder to find himself or herself on auto pilot. They fail to consider new and innovative ideas or new applications until new candidates come on the scene. Only then do they ponder changes or new solutions.
We need to select in this and every election exemplary individuals with qualifications to lead and not one on auto pilot.
Please consider James Phillips, democratic candidate in the March 6, democratic primary as Trumbull County's next elected sheriff.
Sandy Hogan
Niles