Between this issue of The SUN and last week’s, we’ve printed more than 50 letters to the editor, many of which focus on aspects of the Nov. 3 election.
They present a variety of opinions and viewpoints on a broad array of topics, but all have one thing in common: The writers felt the issues important enough to put themselves out there and share their views with their fellow community members.
The volume of letters underscores the importance of this year’s ballot to so many. How we vote between now and Nov. 3 is likely to have a large impact on our community, state and nation for decades and generations to come.
While all of the measures are complex and have pros and cons, looking at just our local measures, how we vote will determine if our children have the opportunity for a new school building or not, if our medical center can continue to grow and meet our needs with the help of grant funding or not, and if tourists will help pay to sustain our infrastructure or not.
Then we have the multitude of state measures that are, in some cases, nothing short of confusing.
We continue to delve into the multitude of races, amendments and propositions on this year’s general election ballot as our ballot sits on our coffee table, ready and waiting.
We are looking at the numbers; reading why different groups are (sometimes surprisingly) for and against measures; looking at who brought forth the measures and why; and contemplating what the benefits or consequences would be for our family, our community, our state and our nation.
We encourage everyone to do the same if they haven’t already.
We encourage everyone to look at the measures, question them, understand why others are for and against them, and seek the facts.
We also encourage you to look at the numbers for yourself, as well as looking at what knowledgeable people in a position of authority on the topic have to say.
And we ask you to please remember that doing your research doesn’t mean seeking out opinions that align with yours and calling it a day.
Beginning on page A9 of this issue you’ll find this year’s ballot measures and their proposed changes. While the details may seem mind-numbing, they undoubtedly offer a much clearer picture of what each means and are important to not overlook.
It’s important as we look at all that that we also look at our future.
As we mull over how to vote — and as we continue to see our community rapidly grow, change and improve — we’ve continued to circle back to a driving question throughout our research: What does success look like?
What does success look like for our families now and into the future? For our community? For our state? For our nation?
We’re not totally sure yet what will lead to success at all levels (I’m sure few are).
One thing, however, is certain: Being informed, engaged and voting will help us determine what the majority believes will lead to success.
Randi Pierce
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