Chronicle Editorial

Participatory politics
     It’s easy to get caught up in all the hoopla surrounding the presidential election. Thanks to 24-hour media coverage, we now know what each candidate ate at the state fair, how many people attended their speeches and the amount of hecklers that hounded them at each stop – riveting stuff.
     However, it’s important to keep an eye on local politics during the next couple of months. There’s a school board election in two weeks and a city council election in November, both of which are equally important. Franklin County voters have a lot of responsibility and we urge you to complete your civic duty by hitting the polls.
     Turnout for local elections is traditionally dismal. That’s quite baffling, as city councils and school boards affect residents most directly. Failing to participate in the process due to complacency or general disinterest is an extreme detriment to the entire community. Many folks are quick to complain about their local officials, but they often fail to offer alternative solutions or run for office themselves. There’s no sense in whining if you were too lazy to vote in the first place.
     City councils and school boards often see very little turnover from election to election due to a lack of choice on the ballot. Often times these officials run uncontested term after term, which creates a recipe for low voter turnout and disinterest. It’s important for people to have choices at the ballot box; however, community members must first find the motivation to run before their fellow citizens can have those options.
     The democratic process affords us plenty of opportunities to get involved, especially at the local level – elected officials are your neighbors, friends and coworkers after all. Learn who’s running and ask questions about the issues you’re concerned about. They’re accountable for your tax dollars and are more than willing to answer questions and find solutions.
     We encourage you to get out and vote Sept. 8 and Nov. 3. If you get a wild hair to run for office, do it. Federal and state elections get all the attention nowadays, but local elections are where you get to decide who you want leading the community now and in the future. Ask questions, vote and make yourself heard. It’s your responsibility and requires the smallest amount of effort.
 
A long-awaited welcome home
     Area residents have a unique opportunity to thank local Vietnam War veterans and learn some hands-on history this weekend in Forest City.
     Operation Landing Zone (LZ) will be held Aug. 26-30 at the Forest City Municipal Airport, Heritage Park and the Winnebago Rally Grounds. The free event was organized by a group of dedicated individuals representing nine north Iowa counties and aims to give veterans the thank you they deserve. Former Vietnam servicemen and women will be able to gather together, check out various memorials and take rides on old military equipment used during the war.
     Events like this one take a huge commitment from the community. Many individuals, businesses and governments donated time and money for this, and it’s extremely encouraging to see the area come together to honor these veterans. The Vietnam War was a controversial conflict to say the least, and these individuals often bore the brunt of undo criticism when they returned home. Saying thank you is the least we can do to honor their courageous sacrifice.
     If you’re free this weekend, make the trip to Forest City and check it out. There’s a lot to learn and much to see, but most importantly, Operation LZ gives us a chance to offer these veterans a long overdue “thank you.” As the event’s slogan so poignantly states, it’s never too late to welcome home a veteran.