The editorial staff of the Town and Country newspaper invites all candidates running the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013 to mail, fax or email information about themselves for publication in our Candidates Section on Oct. 31, 2013. The information must be received at the Town and Country office by Oct. 28.
The information should be emailed to TownAndCountry@UPVNews.com or can be mailed to Town and Country Newspaper, PO Box 462, Red Hill, Pa.18076.
In addition to a short biography that includes the candidate’s name, party affiliation and position being sought, the candidate should list any prior government-related, elected positions held.
We encourage candidates to include educational, business or other credentials and experiences that help to identify their qualifications for the position.
Most importantly, the candidate should include a brief statement outlining why he or she is seeking the position. Information submitted should be less than 375 words. Submissions greater than 375 words may be edited. A photo can be included.
The candidate must be running for the office of a position representing constituents in our coverage area. That area is Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties and includes the boroughs of Bally, Bechtelsville, East Greenville, Green Lane, Pennsburg, Quakertown, Red Hill and Trumbauersville, and the townships of Douglass, Hereford, Lower Milford, Lower Salford, Marlborough, Milford, New Hanover, Richland, Upper Milford, Upper Hanover, Upper Salford and Washington.
Letters to the Editor regarding the upcoming Nov. 5 election will be accepted up until Oct. 21 for publishing in the Oct. 24 edition. Election related letters to the editor from the candidates only will be accepted for publication up to Oct. 28 for publication in the Oct. 31 edition.
Candidates are encouraged to take the opportunity to present themselves to the voters in the Town and Country’s Candidates Section. For local voters not active in any political organization, this may be the only opportunity for them to learn about the candidates. This is a chance for candidates, seeking the support of area voters, to present themselves.
As each election goes by, wise candidates and party officials are learning not to take a voter’s ballot for granted. Local elections have shown time and time again that an organized “write-in” campaign is an effective tool and that fewer voters are casting “party line” votes.
Candidates shouldn’t assume that they’re automatically entitled to one’s vote, even if they’re running unopposed. Candidates would be wise to make an effort to earn the respect and confidence of voters by showing why they should be elected.
Blind trust in elected officials, candidates and political parties is quickly becoming a thing of the past.