Forum gives voters chance to make informed decision

But before you do, it?s important to make an informed decision, to know the people you are selecting to lead this community.

That?s why the Standard is holding a candidate forum this Thursday night at the Warren County Administrative Offices beginning at 6:30 p.m. It?s the newspaper?s goal to put the candidates in touch with the voters so they can elect the people who best represent their views.

While the office of county executive has already been decided, there are some crucial races that are going to be settled Aug. 3. Among those is the fight for district attorney, the top law enforcement officer for Warren and Van Buren counties.

Incumbent Dale Potter is locked in a tight battle with Lisa Zavogiannis in what is shaping up as the most controversial race on the ballot.

While other county jobs may not be as prominent as district attorney, they are all crucial. As we?ve seen in recent months with the indictment of one longtime county official, it?s vital to have quality people in control of tax dollars and county documents. We all benefit when the best candidate is elected.

The only way for democracy to truly be “the voice of the people” is for the people to take the small amount of time required to vote. And along with voting comes the responsibility of knowing the candidates and making an informed decision about who is best suited to take a leadership role in our community.