Space in The Lincoln County News this week is at a premium, as our reporters spent the better part of the last month working on candidate profiles, budget breakdowns, and annual town meeting previews.
Chances are if you don’t see your letter to the editor or press release in this week’s edition, it was bumped so we could run a 2,000-word article about the people running for a town’s select board.
While there is little joy to be found in breaking down a multi-million dollar budget or repeatedly attempting to contact individuals for interviews, this is one of the most important parts of our job – educating residents about candidates, questions, and budgets they will face at their local ballot box and town meetings.
Any of the previews or profiles could have appeared on the front page. This week, the spotlight is directed on the candidates running for the Wiscasset School Committee and the RSU 40 Board of Directors.
Both of these bodies have faced some challenges over the last year, beyond the dismissal hearing and policy vote that received front-page coverage. Students have also made their opinions known, staging a walkout and writing a letter to the editor to express their feelings about the governmental bodies and their decisions.
An important distinction: we’re not endorsing the opinions of Wiscasset Middle High School or Medomak Valley High School students, nor elevating their thoughts and opinions above others. We do wholeheartedly support the expression of ideas. We believe a community works best when it takes into account all voices, including those who have not yet reached voting age.
Now the responsibility is yours. Educate yourself on the candidates you will choose from to sit on your local governing bodies. Learn about what went into the process of making the municipal and education budgets. Prepare your opinion on ordinance amendments.
Then, most importantly, go vote.
