Getting primed for the Primary
…Well, it’s that time of year again, when I climb up on my soapbox and encourage all of the Greene County voters to show up at their respective voting precincts for the Primary election on May 21 and cast their ballots. I know that voter turnouts for any election in the county are traditionally low, and I hope that more and more local folks will find time to exercise their privilege to vote.
In my humble opinion, there is no reason NOT to vote during any election, regardless of who is running or what races are being contested. One thing that always boggles my mind is when we’ve heard some folks say in the past that they don’t vote because there are no “big” or “high profile” races on the ballot. I disagree with that theory because I believe that every election is important. Regardless of what local race is on the ballot during any given election, it should be obvious to residents that the outcomes of those races will surely impact many different areas of the county and the many residents who live in those areas.
Another comment that stuns me is when people say “I’m not voting because I don’t know anything about the candidates.” This one actually makes my head hurt. So there are some folks who would rather choose to be uninformed and not let their voices be heard, instead of taking some time to learn about the candidates who will eventually be making big decisions that will impact their neighborhoods, schools and communities? And how many folks who say that they don’t have time to research the candidates or cast their ballots still find time to vote for their favorite contestant on “American Idol” or “The Voice” each week?
We here at the Messenger cannot stress enough that all residents should take the responsibility of voting very seriously. When casting your ballot on Election Day, voters need to ask themselves some tough questions. Have the incumbent candidates done a good job serving as capable leaders? If not, would the opponent bring something different to the table? What matters more, experience or change? Are you just voting for someone because you know the name or because you’re afraid of change? Do you feel that the person you’re about to vote for will best represent your community’s future?
These are what voters should be thinking about come May 21.
Attention dear readers: Voting is a PRIVILEGE that every American citizen should be glad to have and should take very seriously. If you do not vote, then you do NOT have the right to complain about how it turns out.
We also wish all of the candidates the best of luck in their respective races. Whatever the outcome is, whoever is elected into office, the Messenger will be there to keep you informed. Check out our election preview on the front page this week and look for post-election coverage in next week’s Messenger.
By the way, if you have any questions about anything pertaining to the primary, call the elections office at 724-852-5230, or visit the office on the first floor of the Greene County Office Building at 93 E. High St. in Waynesburg. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday…
…Well, it’s obvious that we’re getting closer to summertime in Greene with each passing week, because there are more and more different festivals and fun events that are happenin’ around the county.
For example, this weekend will feature the 10th annual Sheep and Fiber Fest, which will be held at the county fairgrounds May 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. From sheep shearing to blanket weaving, this festival highlights how wool and other fibers affect Greene County. Artisans, sheep herding demonstrations and plenty of good food and family entertainment will be available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For more info, call Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful at 724-627-8119, or visit www.sheepandfiber.com.
And that’s just the beginning. The Kelly Miller Circus will be at the fairgrounds on May 28, the SWPA Saddle Club’s Waynesburg Charity Horse Show will be at the fairgrounds May 24-26, and Flashlight Drags returns to the airport on June 2.
Keep checking back in this column – and in our weekly County Calendar – for more upcoming events scheduled for the summer. You can also go online to the county tourism agency’s website, www.greenecountytourism.org…
…And speaking of events, I wanted to remind readers that there are going to be a few upcoming events that are geared to raising money for the American Cancer Society and the 2013 Relay For Life of Greene County.
The Patriot’s Dream Riding Association will hold a “Cruisin’ For a Cure” car and motorcycle cruise at the Alpha Aquatic Park on Waynesburg on May 18 from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, email pdra.greene@gmail.com.
Waynesburg Central Elementary School is holding a Mini-Relay on May 22. For more information, or to make a donation, call the school at 724-852-3081.
Greene County ABATE will hold its 14th annual Cancer Society Run on Saturday, May 25 to benefit the American Cancer Society. Signups will be held at Waynesburg Yamaha from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and bikes will leave at noon. Cost is $20 per bike, which includes a free event t-shirt to the first 50 riders. Everyone is welcome. For more info, contact Debbie Schaffer at 724-852-1789.
I was also told by Margie Smith, senior community income development representative with the American Cancer Society, that donations may also be made to the 2013 Greene County Relay until Aug. 31. For more information, call Smith at 724-222-6911…