From The Editorial Desk
Thursday, November 2, 2000
This Tuesday, in what may be the closest presidential election in 40 years, just a tad more than half the eligible voters will exercise their right to vote. Americans, if they aren't actually indifferent to the democratic process, are giving a very good impression of people who are.
Investigating the public's apparent disdain of politics has kept a lot of political and social scientists in work. The putative reasons that always make the short list are Richard Nixon and Watergate, Ronald Reagan and Contragate, and Bill Clinton and Zippergate. We suspect special interest money and cronyism have done their part, too.
Here at the Weekly, we take a keen interest in elections. For over eight weeks, our devoted team of reporters and editors has been interviewing local candidates and studying up on state and local initiatives. We've heard from the best and brightest in Monterey County. Some candidates' commitment to public service is selfless and inspiring. Many others have left us in a state of disbelief: it's hard to stomach the fact that many of the critical issues facing our region will be decided by the incompetent or untrustworthy.
What follows is the product of our investigation and internal debates. We have interrogated candidates and each other over these issues. While we're disappointed that only 65 percent of the county residents eligible to vote are registered, our hope is that this election package will help crystallize your thinking so you can be an informed voter. We don't expect you to agree with our every decision--that's the beauty of democracy. But just know that we've come to our decisions carefully and hope you do, too.
Please vote Tuesday. It's a right we should cherish and protect.
--Bradley Zeve, Publisher
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