During a time of transition at the Log Cabin Democrat, some thought was put into the idea of political endorsements. If there were any undecided voters still out there, maybe they could be better informed about their choices if the local newspaper took a stand in a few local races.

Many newspapers do it, usually larger ones with editorial boards, those with several reporters who only cover government and politics. At community publications like this one, the person dealing with the government may also deal with a bear stuck in a tree. We kind of juggle a lot of plates.

But that doesn’t mean we cannot make informed decisions on who to endorse for the various positions around Faulkner County. The people in this office certainly have their opinions, some more passionate than others. If it were up to some people, we would be forming opinions on the presidential race, the medical marijuana initiative and all the constable races.

But if we were to endorse, we couldn’t take it for granted. There is a responsibility to placing the newspaper’s weight — however heavy or light it is — behind a person who has campaigned and fought for a position they truly believe they are meant to hold.

That, coupled with an increasing nasty vibe in this year’s general election, has cooled us on the entire process. Is it truly an endorsement if we cannot fully get behind it? We have heard too many bad things about too many candidates to have a respectable view of any of them. And we don’t have a very respectable view of the people who have been trying to deal the dirt. One person campaigning for a candidate submitted his information and was told where the story would be placed. It would be opposite his opponent. “So we will be able to see the good side and the evil side,” he said. He wasn’t kidding.

Respect is given to all who serve. It is a job that requires a short memory and a thick skin. It requires knowledge and hard work and the ability to see all sides of an issue. Whether it is mayor or judge, clerk or tax collector, alderman or justice of the peace, anyone willing to take on these tasks, whatever side of the aisle they sit on, deserves our respect.

So we endorse no candidate this election season. Instead we endorse the right to choose your candidate after much thought and introspection. And we also endorse that you live with the winners, regardless of your allegiances.