With the General Election on November 4 just days away candidates across the county are working hard to earn your vote.

But it seems an air of impropriety has permeated this election season. 

Here at the Democrat we have an important standard for political letters sent in from anyone: principles above personalities. 

What does this mean? It means stick to what makes you a good candidate; what are your beliefs, your values, your ideas. Do not focus on the other opponents, resorting to insults or accusations.

This election season seems to be taking the lead from national politics, where divisiveness is the status quo.

The truth is we are a small county, and there is no room for vicious politics or division. 

We are too tight-knit of a community to be at odds with each other, and we need to have a united voice in order to have a seat at the table in state and federal government and advocate for what’s best for Sullivan County.

This is not to say that all candidates must share the same vision, obviously that would be impossible. 

But it is possible to get your point across without bringing the other person down. Again, principles above personalities. 

We are thankful for all candidates, uncontested or not, for the hard work they put in and commend those who want to make their community a better place.