Our view: Make informed decisions and go vote

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the candidates who have decided to run for local, state and national offices. It is easy to sit back and complain about how city, school or state governments are run, but it takes a lot of courage to put your name out there and run for office.
This year, there are candidates for all the open seats in cities and school boards. This isn’t always the case. While many candidates are running unopposed, there are a few races in the local area.
The cities of Plato, Brownton, Stewart, New Auburn, two seats on the Glencoe City Council, as well as two McLeod County Commissioner seats and four elected county officials are running unopposed.
There are three local races to watch. The Glencoe City Council has one contested seat, incumbent Councilor at Large Allen Robeck is being challenged by Mike Drew.
There are six candidates running for three open seats on the Glencoe-Silver Lake School Board. Incumbent Jason Lindeman and newcomers Valarie Bandas, James Entinger, Andrea Janke, Jon Lemke and Alicia Luckhardt have all jumped into the ring.
In Silver Lake, Mayor Bruce Bebo is being challenged by Dorothy Butler. Incumbent Josh Mason and newcomers Chris Penaz and Josh Winfrey are running for two open seats on the city council.
It has been a few years since The Chronicle has made endorsements and now is as good of a time any to start again.
The City of Glencoe is divided into four precincts with one council member representing each precinct and one councilor at large who represents the entire city. This council member needs to represent the entire city, not just a small group. We feel that Mike Drew is the candidate that will best represent the interest of the entire city as Councilor at Large.
On the school board, Jason Lindeman has proven to be fiscally responsible and has made informed decisions that are in the best interest of both the taxpayers and the district. His experience is needed on the board.
Jon Lemke has been an active community member for years and will use these experiences to make decisions in the best interest of all involved.
All of the candidates bring qualities and experiences that could prove valuable to the school board and at this time we are undecided on the last seat.
The school district will also have an operating levy question on the ballot. They are asking for an increase from the taxpayers. The increase most residents will pay is less than $10 per month or about $.33 per day. The small increase seems like a pretty good investment into the future of our local students.
In the City of Silver Lake, Mayor Bruce Bebo and Josh Mason are familiar with the issues that face the city and the challenges of resolving those issues. Candidates Butler, Winfrey or Penaz could provide new perspectives of the issues.
We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions beforing going to the polls next Tuesday.
Most important – GO VOTE!
-KR