As we close in on the final stretch of campaign season and voter preparation, debates and political ads, letters to the editor and in some cases, unabashed personal attacks, I often find myself wondering why so many people choose the role of passive observers instead of doing the work to understand their options, and the implications of the choices they make with their votes. Here’s the thing: in any political face-off, I believe it’s my job as a voter to be engaged and to demand honest and transparent representation of the facts. It’s my job to make a list of my priorities, and objectively evaluate the candidates for their positions based on my priorities and life experiences. It’s every voter’s job to do this. It’s also our job to respect that other people have different priorities and have the right to vote according to them, even if they don’t match our own. That’s the beauty of democracy.

 For state’s attorney, I want to elect an experienced professional who is an advocate for victim’s rights as well as public safety: someone who will exercise the discernment and wisdom that comes out of experience in all situations – trials, plea agreements, diversion programs, chemical dependency treatment referrals, etc. – and assess the best option given the facts. That’s the majority of the job. That individual must also be able to respond to all situations fairly and objectively in both criminal and county civil issues, without making it personal.

 In addition, I look at how well candidates conduct themselves in a professional manner, in a variety of situations, and alongside individuals who they may not agree with. I typically gravitate towards people who are respectful of others, and do not appreciate or respect the actions of candidates or campaigns who make inappropriate personal attacks or comments that come off as slanderous or disparaging of someone’s character based on incomplete information, hearsay, or speculation. 

I want someone who is straightforward with the facts, represents them honestly, and is transparent in where their information comes from. As a voter, I need to know the facts, and I need to know they can be substantiated.

 Finally, I believe it’s important for candidates to understand that one’s place in an elected office is temporary and subject to the will and priorities of the voting public. I want to elect a candidate who clearly understands that they are stewards of the office. The job is to serve, and the office does not “belong” to a party, a person, or a particular group’s legacy. It belongs to the people.

 Those are my criteria. Yours may be different. When I look at the options in front of me in this year’s state’s attorney’s race, I want the experience, professionalism, honesty, and transparency that Dan Nelson has demonstrated repeatedly this election season. As I observed the candidates in the first public forums this past weekend, my choice was clear, and was reinforced by the statements made by each candidate regarding the issues that were important to me.

 I’d encourage the voters of Brookings County to do their research and determine their priorities. Watch the forums for yourselves and see how the candidates align with what you believe to be important. Perhaps you’ll discover the choice is as clear for you as it was for me.