Leaders’ role includes facing up to media

This past week reporters from The Citizen faced off with education association representatives, Goodrich Schools Superintendent Kim Hart, Brandon Township supervisor Ron Lapp and Brandon fire chief Bob McArthur.
All of these community leaders faced up to less-than-pleasant questioning by The Citizen this week without trying to hide, despite the fact that we didn’t side with any of them. Kudos to them’that’s exactly how responsible leaders should behave.
Although the media is routinely criticized, it’s also widely relied-upon for information. The Citizen, in particular, makes an extraordinary effort to present accurate, well-balanced reports written with integrity.
When we send out election questionnaires, they’re sent to all candidates; then we publish the answers of all who are willing to face up to questions.
When questions aren’t answered by those seeking office, residents should examine and question candidates? motives for seeking office. If elected, will they choose to not answer constituents? questions because they don’t like that individual, or they’d rather not face the question?
We hope not.
The very nature of our electorial process is providing the people a voice in their own government, via the ballot box. No voter can make an informed choice on who should represent citizens when candidates suppress vital information’something to remember next month at the ballot box.