Hats off to all who choose to run for public office

While we've endorsed national and state candidates, and taken our share of flak for it, the Gazette usually refrains from endorsing candidates for local races.

That's the case again this year, and not just because of the flak. Fortunately, neither is it because voters don't have some choices to make -- some tough ones at that.

One example is the Middle Republican Natural Resources District board of directors, the focus of dispute over the proper use of water and who should sacrifice what to pay for the water Nebraska owed Kansas to comply with the Republican River Compact.

For years, many of us knew little about the operations of Nebraska's NRDs, but that's no longer the case, and that's good.

Other examples include the McCook Public Schools -- the largest consumer of local property taxes -- and the McCook City Council, still finishing up details associated with the massive water treatment plant project, as well planning for other large projects like a new public safety center.

As difficult as the tough issues are to resolve, they have the positive effect of bring out more people who are willing to help deal with them.

We all should be grateful to those willing to subject themselves to public scrutiny, and if elected, willing to serve long hours, often in exchange for more criticism.

Congratulations and good luck to all of the local candidates.

Let's show our appreciation and respect by turning out at the polls.