Editorial for August 30, 2007 edition:


Ready? Set? Go!

The long, hot summer is about to end. The kids are going back to school. The rat race is about to resume.
As we celebrate the working men and working women of America this long weekend, try to take time out of your relaxed schedule to look ahead at the very near future.
Ever year, the end of the Labor Day weekend marks the official beginning of the general election campaign, and this year, the election for mayor, which is just a little more than three short months from now, is at the top of the list of contests to tune in to and participate in.
Northeast Philadelphia’s going to be seeing a lot of the candidates, Michael Nutter and Al Taubenberger. They’ll be out and about in full force this fall, pressing the flesh at shopping centers, civic meetings, the Bridge-Pratt terminal and candidates forums. Get out there and talk to them. Get to know them. Get them to know you. It’s your right and responsibility to make them work their butts off to get your vote.
When members of the Northeast Times editorial board convene in late October to decide which mayoral candidate to endorse, the decision likely will be as difficult for us as it is for the voting public. Both candidates are decent, honorable gentlemen who would do a great job leading the City of Brotherly Love.
Meanwhile, there will many other races to watch. Six of City Council’s 10 districts include portions of Northeast Philly, and Northeast residents should pay close attention to the race for all seven Council at-large seats. There are also contests for the city row offices — the election commission, sheriff, clerk of quarter sessions, register of wills — along with local and state judgeships. Each and every one of the races is worth your attention up to and on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Remember, there’s no such thing as unimportant public office. It’s time to tune in. ••

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