Vote tomorrow: Thursday, August 3.

It’s more important than eating lunch; it’s more important than getting to the grocery store, picking up dry cleaning, or whatever you normally do right after work.

Choices made tomorrow will affect this county for eight long years… there’s no way you could have missed exposure to at least most of the candidates.

My picks:

Chancellor: Bill Lantrip. The Chancellor has a tough job, because he decides things like divorces, custody, matters of equity, and other emotionally-charged cases. He is patient and kind, and applies the law fairly as written to all who come before him. While it is inevitable that one party will leave unhappy from any case in his court, he is careful to cause no more harm to people already in an emotionally trying circumstance in applying the law gently and justly.

General Sessions Div. I: David Stuart. David is extraordinarily competent in his knowledge of the law, posesses the ability to remain calm under pressure, and is a gentleman of the utmost honesty and integrity. In the last couple of months, he has brought to light some discomforting truths about the incumbent judge — truths that call into question the reliability of our local judicial system and other aspects of county government. While unpleasant to confront, his honesty and candor have provided a crucial service to the people of this county. Thank him, but more importantly, vote for him.

District Attorney: David Clark. David Clark has proven himself in his service as County Attorney, and in spite of the fact that I did not like nor agree with all of the causes he took up in that position (namely annexation issues), I do understand that was the nature of the job and that he performed it well. As District Attorney, he would apply the same work eithic to a different job: prosecuting those accused of breaking the law, without exception. He won’t back down for fear of the risk of a jury trial, nor for political pressure. He’s the best choice for DA.

Sheriff: Bill White. The bottom line is, Bill White has gotten the job done. He’s gotten the job done even within cities with their own police departments, when those departments failed for whatever reason. And even though Alan Beauchamp managed his campaign in 2002, Bill White knew when to tell him to “take a hike.”

Juvenile Court Judge: April Meldrum. This was a tough call for me, because just last year, Pat Hess handled the juvenile burglar who broke into my home and stole my car exactly as I would have wanted: tough enough to get his attention, but without wrecking his life or jeopardizing his future. At the request of a friend, I met with April earlier this year, and was very impressed with her. Her priorities are the right ones — the best interest of children, including those who have gone astray. She’s not a marshmellow, but she will dispose of cases on a timely basis… and when dealing with permanency issues for children, timely is essential. April has my vote.

Trustee: John Stair. John has the accounting experience to do the job well, all other factors aside. That his mother has done the job impeccably for thirty years is some assurance that there would be a smooth transition, and that he won’t fire all the experienced staff. Patsy put customer service foremost, and John will continue that tradition.

I don’t have any contested races for County Commission, but I’ll cast a vote for Scott Gillenwaters anyway, because he’s done a good job, and always takes my calls. If you’re in District 8, I’d recommend Robin Biloski and Myron Iwanski (everybody needs a good pair of skis); if you’re in District 2, David L. Bolling is a keeper.

Hmmm… hardly as entertaining as AtomicTumor’s endorsements, but food for thought in any case.