How you cast your vote in the General Election this November is vital. Unlike the Primary Election in May, the ballot will not be long, but the ramifications of the candidates and issues are great. We have only one County Candidate and that is for Sheriff where Republican incumbent Scott Gittings will face challenger former Deputy and EMT, Democrat Dezo Polgar.

We will select our Governor, our US Senator and our President. Now is the time to learn not just about the candidates, but their platforms. On the National and State level each party has a platform which outlines where the Party stands on issues like right-to-work, abortion, public funding on private schools, gun control, etc. As the party’s nominee’s, the candidates follow that platform in voting or in the President’s case proposing legislation. It’s good to base your vote on qualifications, past performance and information gleaned from the debates, but it’s also good to do your homework on the platform.

The Hancock County ballot will also have the school levy on the ballot. HOMETOWN NEWS endorses the levy because we have studied all that is included in the items listed. I’ve seen some negative comments and most have centered on “no new taxes” instead of specifics. . I was in Weirton yesterday and I bought a Frappe to cool myself down. It was $5.15. The Levy cost would be $4.43 per month. In the coming weeks, we’re going to examine every line item on the levy; why it’s necessary; and we’ll conclude with an “ASK and ANSWER” feature in which you the reader poses a specific question to be answered.

Never before has your vote on all the issues been more vital to your future. We want to do our part to help you make an informed decision.