Opinion

Listen closely to candidates

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Listen closely to what the candidates are saying. Consider the consequences, not only for next Tuesday's primary election, but for the general election in November and for the future of McCook, Red Willow County and the Southwest Nebraska area.

That may sound like a formidable assignment. But it shouldn't. As a crowd of listeners found out Tuesday night, politics can be as exciting on the local level as it is on the state and national stage.

It mattered not whether you were at home -- listening to KICX, KBRL or K-Rock -- or sitting among a crowd of candidates at the Bieroc Cafe for the Decision '02 forum co-sponsored by the McCook Radio Group and Swnebr.net. Either way, you had to be impressed.

Seventeen candidates for city, county and area offices spoke from the heart, baring their souls and exploring the most important issues confronting the community and the region.

The talking went on for three hours and -- amazingly -- the majority of the crowd remained glued to their seats throughout the presentation.

Why? Because the forum participants were hearing history in the making. Through the words of the candidates, the crowd of listeners was getting a glimpse of the future.

Based on what was said Tuesday night, it's a good bet that the following developments will take place within the next five years:

(1) City and county jail facilities will be consolidated in Red Willow County, with a strong possibility that the McCook Police Department and Red Willow County Sheriff's Department will be combined into a new countywide law enforcement agency.

(2) McCook's water quality and quantity issues will be addressed, with a strong push being made for treating the water from the existing well fields south of McCook as well as developing new wells close to town.

(3) A third elementary school bond issue will be placed on the ballot, possibly to include only one elementary school for the school district.

(4) The McCook City Council and the Red Willow County Commission will continue to support economic development programs; however, the level of support may not be as great as advocated by the McCook Economic Development Corp. (5) The battle over taxes and spending will continue to top the list of concerns for every board. The questions -- "What do we need?" and "What can we afford?" -- will be eternally debated.

Yes, politics can be exciting. Perhaps even more so on the local level than nationally, because what elected leaders do here at home has an impact on our lives on a daily basis.

Our quality of life is at stake. The water we drink, the schools our children attend and the quality of local law enforcement are all issues of concern, waiting to be decided.

Listen closely to the candidates. They hold the future of our city, our county and our area in their hands.

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