Midterm elections are by the wayside, and presidential candidates are lining up for 2008. In no time, Editor & Publisher will be polling editors about their presidential selections. An even more important query is to poll editors on whether they will even endorse candidates, and specifically candidates in local races. With all due respect to the presidential election, community newspaper editors ought to give greatest attention to informing and recommending to readers who, in their estimation, are the best individuals to shape public policy for the betterment of their communities.
It’s unfortunate that editorial endorsements are becoming increasingly scarce among community newspapers. Consider the paradox that editorials frequently urge government bodies to take action, or take officials to task for lack of action. In that vein, shouldn’t newspapers have equally strong convictions about the people who will ultimately make those decisions? If newspapers tout their roles as government watchdogs, endorsing candidates for elected bodies should be at the top of editors’ responsibilities.
The hesitation to endorse in local races is likely for the familiar refrain: “What gives you the right to tell us who to vote for?” Editors should make it a regular practice to educate readers on the role of editorial pages. A healthy exchange of ideas is at the core of healthy communities.