So far, as of Feb. 4, we have gotten just one response.
That’s to our questionnaire to candidates in the City of Clinton Municipal Elections of March 4. Sometimes, these elections are “won” by just a handful of votes. Want to know how to increase turn-out in these elections -- that directly affect YOUR pocketbook - simple, hold them in November when all the other elections are held. People get used to voting at a certain time - and that’s why, for the most part, primary elections, municipal elections and especially run-offs are so poorly attended by voters. The turnout was so poor in one county council primary last year that the candidates actually tied, mandating what was in effect a re-vote (as opposed to a run-off).
We sent questionnaries to the e-mail addresses on file with the county elections office, except in one case where the candidate chose not to list an e-mail address. We made contact through another address.
We are hoping that the, so far, meager return of the questions is just candidates giving their responses critical thinking.
The results will be published in our Feb. 26 issue - along with the annual Horizons progress edition, which will be a 2- section, 32-page look at Laurens County’s progress and issues through the eyes of interesting individuals. It is such an honor for us, with the help of our advertising partners, to take a look each year at the diverse and active community that makes up Laurens County.
Back to the City Council questionnaires - we are asking candidates to tell us a little about themselves, provide opinions on making Clinton more small-business friendly and about the this-spring- to-be-opened recreation center on Hwy 56, and their views about sky-high electric bills. This is a critical time for Clinton - with the search for a new City Manager and the potential for developing a new industrial park. We believe candidates should talk to you, The Voters, through paid ads. But this, maybe, is one of the next best ways.
Contact Vic MacDonald at 864-833-1900.
