Candidate offers insight into the many facets of running for election

I assumed anyone deciding to step up to run for public office on a town level would be for the purpose of being an effective contributor to the plans and problems of their town. As I’ve stated in my recent candidacy announcement for the two-year Council seat in November for Vernon Township, it is my experience and involvement for 25 years, as a resident and local business owner that gives me the background and knowledge of the issues. Vernon and its residents deserve the efforts of honest, capable and committed persons in their government, now more than ever. This effort and process has enlightened me to the unexpected. I have learned that people step up, as I have, motivated by a feeling of responsibility to their community. But I have also learned people are chosen to run, by factions that seek to gain or keep control. I was of the belief that one would step up, knowing they have experience, familiarity and knowledge to be effective, if elected. But I have learned, when people run who are hand-picked, they seem to come with no familiarity, appropriate experience or real commitment to the duties and term of the elected office. I speak to what I know and why I believe I could be a beneficial contributor to our issues, while some candidates only speak about their opponent because they do not have much to say about themselves. I have learned the things put out there, either by way of blogs, letters to editors or last minute slanderous brochures prior to an election, containing untruths and are desperate attempts to mislead voters. I will be speaking to real issues, which affect our residents such as the mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. I will be speaking to the numerous issues that affect our quality of life in Vernon and our ability to afford our lives here, as well as the solutions to our problems. If one is interested in the truth, go to the source. As my campaign gets in full swing toward November, I will be making myself available to the residents of Vernon for direct and truthful communication. Sally Rinker Independent Candidate for Vernon Council