The Tryon Daily Bulletin offers to make no endorsements this political season or place opinions on who our readers should vote for except in one arena – electing local people to state offices.

Polk County is lucky enough to have two candidates from our midst willing to put in the tough work it takes to run a state level campaign from a small rural county like Polk.

George Alley and Phil Feagan, running for NC House District 1134 and the NC Senate respectively, if elected, would be positioned to uniquely serve Polk County.

Why should you care whether or not your state representative is from your own county?

We believe this answer is simple – proximity. State level representatives still maintain homes in their area so if either Feagan or Alley are elected they’d still have family and friends working here in Polk County, going to school and church here in Polk County and most importantly – paying taxes here in Polk County.

Unlike someone from Transylvania County or Madison County, Alley or Feagan would live down the road from you and experience the affects of state politics from a similar vantage point. They will always remember Polk County when they consider a piece of legislation up for vote.

We’re not the only ones who see the value in electing local people to state offices.

Several Polk County residents have already written in – residents on both sides of the party aisle – to encourage voters to select Feagan and Alley for election.

This decision isn’t about party affiliation but about knowing the people representing you and believing they will have your best interests at heart because they know what their decisions will mean for you and your neighbors. They are after all your neighbors.

– Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin