As you may know, Joe Owens is a Express-Times editor that happens to have a blog called a Steaming Cup of Joe. I was reading one of his blog entries today about a local school board. I decided to post a comment on how the Express-Times covers local candidates. I want to share my comments with you tonight.
"The quality of local candidates and various boards has been an on-going conversation in the Lehigh Valley. A lot of people have complained about the quality of the School Boards, Boards of Supervisors, City Councils, etc.
New people have run for local offices with various degrees of success. As a new candidate, one of the toughest aspects of running for local office (I know first hand) is getting press coverage. The Express-Times, yes I am challenging the Express-Time coverage, seems to provide good coverage of incumbents. They have a convenient platform to express their opinion; they are actually "in" office.
New candidates are lucky to get seven to nine lines in some general article covering a specific local race. Okay, you give the City of Easton and Bethlehem candidates lots of coverage, but the coverage for the local races in the townships, boroughs, etc. has been quite limited.
Here is my challenge to the Express-Times editorial board: Give the local candidates on-going opportunities to comment on critical issues facing their municipalities. I am sure the candidates will be more than happy to provide their views on the issues. It will give the public a better understanding of candidates’ opinions, whether they are the challenger or incumbent.
At the least, it will help to create informed voters".
Get involved! Every Voice Counts
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