Election season looks different in a small community.
In a place like Minden and Webster Parish, the names on the ballot are not strangers. They are people we know. They are people we work with, worship with, sit beside at ball games, see in the grocery store and run into around town.
That makes local elections incredibly important. It also makes them personal.
This election season, voters are making decisions about School Board members, City Council representatives, the Minden police chief and other offices that have a direct impact on our daily lives. These are important positions, and voters should take them seriously.
We should ask hard questions. We should examine records, listen to ideas and decide who we believe can best serve our community. We should expect candidates to explain their vision and defend their decisions.
But somewhere in the middle of all that, we cannot lose sight of their humanity.
Running for public office takes courage.
The moment someone puts his or her name on a ballot, opinions start flying. Every decision gets examined. Every statement gets picked apart. In today’s world, social media can turn a disagreement over policy into something personal in a matter of minutes.
That is where we have to be careful.
We can disagree with a candidate without questioning that person’s character. We can support one person without tearing down another. We can believe strongly that our choice is the right choice without treating someone who votes differently as an enemy.
The truth is, the election will end.
The signs will come down. The votes will be counted. Someone will win, and someone will lose.
Then, the next day will come.
We will still see one another at the grocery store. We will still sit near each other at church. Our children and grandchildren will still play ball together. We will still serve on committees, attend community events, do business together and call on one another when somebody needs help.
A healthy community needs vigorous elections. Competition can produce better ideas, greater accountability and stronger leadership. But a healthy community also understands that an election is not permission to destroy relationships.
Vote for the person you believe is best suited for the job. Put their sign in your yard. Tell your friends why you support them. Ask difficult questions and expect meaningful answers.
Just remember that the person whose sign is in your neighbor’s yard is still your neighbor.
And remember something else. Every candidate who stepped forward made a decision to put themselves and their families under public scrutiny because, in one way or another, they believe they can make this community better. We may disagree with their ideas or their qualifications, but that willingness to serve deserves a certain measure of respect.
Small communities are built on relationships. We need good leaders, but we also need good neighbors.
So as election day approaches, participate. Pay attention. Do your homework. Vote your convictions.
But do not allow a political campaign to convince you that people you have known for years suddenly deserve less kindness, respect or grace because of the name on a campaign sign.
When this election is over, Minden will still be home.
And we will still have to build its future together.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.