Our View: Election Endorsements

Yes, we’re going there. 

Some major newspapers are capitulating to the possibility of a second Trump presidency by not endorsing candidates in next Tuesday’s election. But we believe it is important that readers understand that a newspaper has a responsibility to its community to lay its cards on the table. We’re not telling anyone how to vote; we’re urging people TO vote, and setting down what we see as the best outcome for our community. And while our influence in the presidential election may be negligible, we believe that regarding local races and issues, it’s important that we weigh in.

There are few local contested races on the Nov. 5 ballot. We hope to see Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr returned to office. His tenure thus far has shown his ability to address the needs of the district. The same goes for Chris Flanagan, who we’d like to see returned to represent the First Barnstable District (which includes Brewster). County Commissioners Mark Forest and Sheila Lyons have been good stewards of Barnstable County government and will continue to steer a steady ship.

This election includes a number of significant ballot questions. Of those that most directly impact our region, we agree with eliminating MCAS passage as a high school graduation requirement; standardized tests are inherently flawed and don’t accurately reflect a student’s knowledge or abilities. We will vote no on changing the way tipped workers are paid; while we support the measure’s goal of elevating the minimum wage for tipped workers, this initiative is flawed and seems to us a way for employers to exert more control over tips. We’ve already expressed our opposition to Question 6, which seeks a change to Barnstable County’s financial process without benefit of a charter review. Voters in the Fourth Barnstable District, including Chatham, Harwich and Orleans, will act on Question 7, a nonbinding referendum of the proposed wind farm in the Gulf of Maine. A “yes” vote indicates support for off-shore wind; that’s how we’ll vote.

Regular readers know our position on the presidential election. We reject hate and deviciness and support inclusiveness and respect, and therefore endorse Kamala Harris for the nation’s highest office.

We’ve been criticized in the recent past for endorsing candidates and opining on issues. We appreciate the feedback, but we’re going to keep doing it, if only because it elevates the profile of an election or town meeting. In the end, it’s showing up and making your voice heard that counts.