The election season is here once again. And voters are hearing candidates promising things that have been heard before, but never seem to happen.

What I would really like to see is a candidate who tells me his or her goals, the objectives and the activities necessary to see them actually happen. Additionally, I would like to have the candidate show me that he or she is qualified to fill the position sought. I do not want a candidate, or anyone else, slinging mud at an opponent. You do not build yourself up by running someone else down.

I believe voters should research the candidates before going to the polls, ask them where they stand on the issues and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Then, a year or so into their term, check and see what, if any, progress they have made on their promises. If they have not lived up to their word, then vote them out next time around.

Elected officials should represent the voters and their interests, not necessarily supporting the party line or whose back they can scratch to further their career.

Richard Jensen, Minot