Published: October 02, 2008 11:22 pm            

Four candidates show character

NEXT DEBATE: 6 p.m. Wednesday: Central Middle School, 303 E. Superior St., candidates for state House District 30 and District 38.

A funny thing happened Wednesday at the first of Howard County’s media-sponsored debates: All four candidates for the two county commissioners’ seats open Nov. 4 commended each other. They acknowledged those positions in which they agreed with their opponents.

To a person, Democrat Bob Hayes and Republican Tyler Moore in the District 2 race and incumbent Republican Brad Bagwell and Democrat Bill Thompson of District 3 treated each other with great respect. Compared to the mayoral debates of last year, the difference in tone might’ve surprised those in attendance or listening on the radio.

Maybe not. All four are community leaders. We shouldn’t be surprised by their graciousness.

At the end of each hour-long debate, moderator Don Wilson of The Kokomo Perspective reminded the crowd voters had qualified candidates from whom to choose. We couldn’t have agreed more.

But you won’t be able to vote unless you’re registered. The deadline is Monday. You can verify your voting status by calling (765) 456-2219.

Registration applications must be received by the clerk’s office by 4 p.m. So if you haven’t registered yet, you should do so in person at 104 N. Buckeye St.

Thank you, candidates, for attending our first debate. We hope to see you readers at Central Middle School at 6 p.m. Wednesday for the state House District 30 and District 38 debates.

        

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