From the Daily Sentinel

Candidates deserve your vote on Tuesday
By Editorial Board
The Daily Sentinel
Published May 29,2010

What follows are The Daily Sentinel’s recommendations for races of local interest being contested on June 1.

These recommendations are not meant to influence the outcome of the election. They are simply part of our ongoing effort to improve the quality of life in our county and state.

Our editorial board has evaluated candidate responses to issues we feel help achieve that goal.

We have spoken personally with all candidates that responded to our request. Almost all responded.

You may be interested in the criteria for picking candidates.

Honestly, it’s quite simple.

We want candidates who are intelligent and hardworking. We consider experience, but not more so than any other qualification. We look for candidates who favor business and growth. In general we want candidates who favor less government. We want candidates who not only recognize the issues, but also have a plan to deal with those issues. Finally, we look for candidates who are willing to work with others toward constructive compromise.

For those reasons, we recommend the following candidates for office:

• For Governor in the Republican Primary – Bradley Byrne. Byrne has a proven track record of dealing with very difficult situations. After taking over as Chancellor of the two-year college system, Byrne turned around what was arguably the most corrupt entity in our state. He did so with a no nonsense, common sense approach.

• For Governor in tlle Democratic Primary – Artur Davis. Davis has the experience and track record ideal for leading our state. He’s proven he’s doesn’t blindly identify with any party with his voting record. In voting against the healthcare bill, Davis showed he’s willing to listen to his constituents, even if it’s unpopular among his own party.

• For 5th District Congressman in the Republican Primary – Mo Brooks. Brooks is a successful businessman who believes less governmental involvement is the key to making business and our economy thrive. As the only Republican on the Madison County Commission he’s proven he can put aside politics for the greater good of his community.

• For 5th District Congressman in the Democratic Primary – Taze Shepard. Shepard’s success in private business and his “centrist democratic” philosophy will allow him to work both sides of the aisle to be successful.

• For 22nd District State Representative – Butch Taylor. Representative Taylor has been extremely effective during his tenure with our delegation. His passion for our community and ability to work vvith the current delegation set him apart.

• For School Board At- Large – John Lyda. Lyda brings a different mentality to a school board currently comprised entirely of retired educators. Lyda’s experience in private business and the military give him the leadership qualities and skill set necessary to improve our school system.

• For School Board Place 2 in the Democratic primary – Steven Rouse. Rouse is the only candidate with a child in the school system. A strong work ethic and a unique ability to relate to the issues in our schools make him the best choice.

Our Voice is the opinion of The Daily Sentinel editorial board.

Copyright © 2010 The Daily Sentinel

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