Well, it is that time of year to get out and vote again. I was planning on doing what I always do each year, which was to read in the paper about whomever the candidates were and why I should or should not vote for them. Of course I can't just look at what the candidates have to say, but also what other people are saying about them. The problem with that is, I tend to get influenced more by what other people write in the paper about the candidates rather than what the candidates have to say themselves. In this day and age, I just expect there to be negative comments about people right before elections, so I thought I would write something positive to offset any possible negativity.

I have decided that there are always three sides to every story. There is your side, my side and the truth. And because of that I am not going to be influenced by any negative remarks towards anyone, but rather be influenced by what any particular candidate has done.

I have served on the board of directors for organizations and served as president for a year as well, so I know how it feels to do 99 things right and never get any recognition. But when I did something wrong or failed to accomplish that one thing, that it is as if the world is falling apart.

I also know how many hours that I had to put in that nobody knew about to keep things running smoothly. I know that the majority of the time that if someone contacted me it was usually about a problem or complaint and it was never to just say thank you. I know that no matter how hard I tried, I would not be able to please everyone.

All I know is that the incumbents that are up for re-election have done many great things and if you the voter are not sure what, then maybe you should do some research and ask them directly and not be infl uenced by the negativity of the "he said, she said". Look at the whole picture to get a greater appreciation for what was accomplished and what it took to get there.

I would personally like to thank the members of the school board for the long hard hours that they have put in that few people really notice and ask that they continue doing the great job that they are doing in the upcoming year.
Darren Heldman
Staples, Minn.