Local elections require practical decision making

"All politics is local."

- Tip O'Neill

I'm a practical guy.

When it looked like the trick-or-treat candy might run out Halloween night, I suggested we simply send out the house 11-year-old for another quick lap around the neighborhood, returning with sweets to spare.

So when it comes to Tuesday's local elections, I'm practical, too.

That's because I always advise people that you choose a candidate the way you make other choices in life.

For example: Choose your candidate like you choose your dentist. Ask yourself, will he hurt me? Will he cost me? Will he make me smile?

Choose your candidate like you choose an auto mechanic. Does he know how things work? Does he know why things break? Can he fix them when they do?

Choose your candidate like you choose your pastor. Will he visit me if I'm sick? Will he explain the big picture? Will I ultimately benefit in the very long run?

Choose your candidate like you choose a doctor. Does he know why I feel bad? Can he make me feel good? Can I afford it?

Choose your candidate like you choose your insurance agent. Will he be there when I need him? Will he have my life covered? Will I get a nifty calendar every year?

Choose your candidate like you would choose your exterminator. Will he find the pests hidden around the place? Will he get rid of pests? Will he keep them from coming back?

Choose your candidate like you would choose your attorney. Does he know the law? Does he know the judge? Will he keep me out of jail?

Choose your candidate like you choose your plumber. Is he not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get to work? Can he get the process unclogged? Can he keep working when something stinks?

It all sounds practical to me.

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.