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Whether you are interested in or follow politics or not, choosing the best leaders to govern is one of the most important roles we play as citizens.

It is very hard to ignore or escape all of the political wrangling dominating the airways, social media and other conversations as we enter the last ten weeks of the 2024 Presidential campaign.

On November 5, we will be asked to cast votes as citizens of a state and nation. Determining and choosing the best leaders to govern at every level of government will be important in protecting and promoting our democratic republic.

At the end of the day, we certainly will not escape the outcomes of who finally becomes our elected officials and what impact their potential policies and actions will have on the quality of our lives and those we love.

So, what qualifications do you look for in electing local and state office holders?

There are values and qualifications that all true public servants should demonstrate no matter what elective office they seek. Looking for those qualifications can help in choosing the best leaders to govern.

No matter what level of government, the number one overriding question is: Who and what interests are they working for and representing?

As voters, are we able to distinguish between the connectivity and mutual benefits of passing policies and laws that are good for the issues and problems that impact states and the nation?

Choosing the Best Leaders to Govern
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There are many such pressing problems. Among them are immigration reform, sensible gun safety measures, women’s reproductive health, voting rights, equitable taxations, and other economic pocketbook issues. There is a myriad of issue areas that have broad implications for the quality of life for population groups across states.

Choosing the best leaders to govern will be critical in fostering a collective effort to address them.

Are we electing office holders with the capacity to discern what those issues are, and able to collaborate and compromise to reach the best solutions?

In good governance, there is no place for extreme views, hardliners, proponents of not only misinformation, but downright lies.

In good governance, how can we be expected to do what is in the best interests of the people and the country when we tolerate and disregard the very laws and institutions under which we are supposed to function and conduct ourselves.

At the end of the day, what will determine whom you vote for president, and other offices up for election in your state, city, or county?

What is on the list of qualifications as you undertake one of the most important patriotic tasks we have to perform: choosing the best leaders to govern.

The qualifications necessary are not new or unreasonable.

The person elected must, at a minimum, show: a strong desire and commitment to serve; high integrity; knowledge and history of the office they seek; a command of the pressing issues; inclusiveness; a capacity to collaborate; and respectfulness.

Each of us has a role to play in determining and choosing the best leaders to govern and lead us.

Will we do our part?

This is an excerpt from a column that first appeared in the Missouri Independent

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