Next month I have the great opportunity to be involved in our election process in a positive way and I hope that readers take time out to attend a candidate forum.

The forum is set for Tuesday, May 7, and I, along with Publisher Karrine Brogoitti, will be moderating the event, which will be in the auditorium of La Grande High School. The event is sponsored by the Union County Chamber of Commerce and The Observer.

For now, Union County Commissioner candidates Kathleen Cathey, Robin Church, Brent Clapp, Merle Comfort, John Coote, Caleb Sampson, Brian Sather, Jake Seavert and Mark Simmons are scheduled to attend. Also, circuit court judge candidates Thomas B. Powers, Wes Williams and Jared Boyd are set to be at the event.

As an editor I devote space and time to reminding readers just how important it is they be involved in our democratic process. The ability to be able to vote for a candidate is not something I take lightly. We live in a great nation but it is a nation that is built on a solid foundation of democracy. The best method to practice democracy, other than voting, is to find out as much about potential candidates as possible before election day. That’s why I think the candidate forum in May is a great opportunity for the community to learn about these individuals who have chosen to give up their time to jump in the race to represent their friends and neighbors.

The privilege to vote — and make no mistake, it is a privilege — should never be dismissed. We all have the responsibility as voters to talk to our candidates, listen to their answers and then, with the best information we have available make a choice.

I hope you can all make time to attending this important event.