Thanks to Lehigh Valley Ramblings' Bernie O'Hare

I want to thank Bernie O'Hare, who has the Lehigh Valley Rambings blog for making a post to spread the word about Thursday's "Resident to Candidate" program at the Nazareth News Agency beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Each year, especially during municipal elections, there is a considerable lack of candidates for office. There are a lot of challenges to being an elected official, but knowing how to become one shouldn't be. There are procedures that must be followed, petitions that must be completed, affidavits to be signed, forms, and they must be done by certain dates, but it isn't that difficult if you have a step-by-step guide to get you though, which is the first part of the program on Thursday.

The next two segments address the campaign, being a candidate, and being an elected official. A panel format with current officials not up for election and party officials will give people a better understanding of what to expect and some insight into what can and should be done to conduct a campaign for local office.

All in all, I think it will be informative and I like the idea of getting people together in person for a non-partisan discussion about having candidates for these offices. They have the most direct impact on our daily lives because they are the most local.

If this works out I'd also like to have a candidates night where people can come in open house format and meet candidates who will be available to talk to people about the issues that matter to them. It wouldn't be a debate, just the candidates will be here, come out and talk to them, get to know them, and make an informed decision come May.

Again my thanks to Bernie for spreading the word and to everyone behind the scenes who has helped me out in putting this together, and most of all to the readers who have indicated this is something that is needed.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Nazareth News Agency on Main Street in Nazareth.