Susan Mannella
The Pennsylvania primary is 13 days away and the Post-Gazette editorial writers have finished our meetings with candidates in contested races.
We have been fortunate to listen as 43 candidates described their varied backgrounds, skills and goals as they seek backing from the voters for state appellate and common pleas courts, Pittsburgh mayor, city council and school board. It's too bad every voter doesn't have a chance for similar up-close-and-personal access to candidates.
At the conclusion of our meetings, the newspaper issues endorsements for these races. A new feature this year is "Meet the candidates," which includes short biographical sketches, photographs, links to candidate Web sites and, in some cases, short audio clips of candidates making the case for their election.
It's not as helpful as being in the room to meet these individuals - to a person they were well-meaning, polite, thoughtful and generous with their time - but we hope voters find it useful.
Everyone voting by absentee must turn in their ballots to the county's Bureau of Election by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. The primary is Tuesday, May 19, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you haven't registered, it's too late for this election but if you need other information, check out the election bureau's Web site, where you can plug in your address to find your polling place.
Posted
May 07 2009, 11:46 AM
by
Susan Mannella