Voters have a choice in a week, is it an informed one?

Every election, this is said, every election it needs to be repeated. Voting is a basic right, available to all citizens, rich or poor. It is the one time, every person is equal.

Local elections dialogue is polarized, due to a small minority of voices on both sides. And lost in emotion are facts. Take away social issues, endorsers on both sides, what are you left with?

I have been here for several years, involved in local politics, more actively, since 2010. I won't address accusations, especially anonymous, of my motives, because to me the opinions that matter are those in the community that know me and what I have invested of my time and my money. And those without an agenda.

I do not vote or support candidates I do not know personally. These are people I have seen out and about the community and I have seen how they treat average people. Then I got to know them personally.

I knew Mike Newman before he was elected to City Council. There is more to Mike than what you see on Access Humboldt or read on the blogs and the media. Chet, same thing. Chet and Mike are successful in their businesses in Humboldt County. Mike rebuilt a business. That is not easy in Humboldt. They do understand the struggles of jobs and housing. They cannot fix a nationally broken system. They can use their qualifications to improve the situation if they are allowed to continue the work they have started.

They are involved in their community.

To be an elected official in this County, of small towns, is to endure insults, lack of gratitude, and to be judged by people who do not know you based on talking points thrown out there by who?

As an elected official, you have to deal with complex issues, have financial acumen and know you are responsible for the future of your voters.

So when you vote next week, have you done your research? Have you weighed the endorsement and support of people supporting candidates? Are you deciding on emotion or facts? Have you met all the candidates personally?

Vote for who you want. I will. Make an informed decision.