Pay attention, vote wisely

As we reach the height of the election season, we hope that both

residents and candidates take the time to think about their civic

duties.

For residents, it’s time to buckle down and learn about the

candidates who want to lead this city and run the school districts

that educate our children. Too often, we take our system of

government for granted and don’t give such matters the careful

attention they deserve. We are lucky here in Huntington Beach,

however, that the majority of residents are extremely involved in the

community and care deeply about it.

At the Independent, we will be doing our homework and studying the

40-some-odd candidates running for City Council, city attorney and

the four school boards in Huntington Beach. We will, in coming weeks,

be sharing with you each candidate’s position on several key issues.

We will also make endorsements of candidates we feel are best suited

to lead this community.

On Monday, the first candidate forum was held at the Murdy Park

Community Center. The forum and luncheon was organized by the

Huntington Beach Coordinating Council and sponsored by the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We applaud organizations such as

the coordinating council -- which was started in 1969 to give

community groups the chance to meet and share information -- with

recognizing the importance of such events and providing the community

with such valuable opportunities.

We also commend candidates, as all but two of the 18 running for

City Council and two of the four city attorney candidates showed up

to share their views in a civil manner. There were no accusations,

mudslinging or name calling, which is refreshing to see in politics.

We encourage continued clean debate.

Lastly, we hope that candidates and their committees will be out

the morning of Nov. 6 to remove their election signs from the streets

of Huntington Beach.

Good luck and may the best leaders emerge victorious.