Nov 5, 2002 2 min read

So the weather’s lousy. The days are short. The sun hasn’t made more than a cameo appearance in what seems like a month. And the gubernatorial race – the supposed big draw for this election cycle – if the polls are to be believed has already been decided. So what’s the point in dropping by the local precinct today and pulling a couple of levers? Call it an exercise in good citizenship.

Voting does matter. It is the only time citizens have an actual say in the type of government they want by selecting representatives whose agenda mirrors their own.

For those who are still undecided, the Herald-Standard makes the following recommendations.

For governor, Democrat Ed Rendell offers Pennsylvanians proven leadership along with specific plans to begin solving complicated problems including property tax reform, education funding, comprehensive health care and job producing initiatives.

In the 12th Congressional District, veteran Democrat John P. Murtha has earned another term.

In the 9th Congressional District, Republican Bill Shuster has demonstrated he is equal to the task.

With the exception of the 51st Legislative District, in which incumbent Democrat Larry Roberts faces a challenge by Republican Joe Sabatini, the state races were settled in the primary.

Of prime importance to many Fayette Countians is the result of a ballot question that asks if the state should be permitted to incur $100 million in debt to fund volunteer fire and emergency services. While the referendum is non-binding, voters have a chance to send a resounding message to the General Assembly. If you can find no other reason today, the chance to help local firefighters, should prompt you to vote.