Okay, so the NRV doesn't win any recognition for great voter turnout. Especially during primaries or local elections.
And citizens here often have few choices because many races are uncontested. Getting candidates to come to organized forums is frequently blown off, as is responding to requests for candidate biographies.
There are some forums, however. Like the ones already held for Blacksburg and Christiansburg town council (Blacksburg council will participate in another on Oct. 26).
So it seemed preemptive to see the largest regional newspaper give its endorsement for the Sheriff's Office - before the Thursday, Oct. 20 Constitutional Officers forum at 7 pm at the County Government Center.
Sure, their editorial board could have already interviewed each candidate (and apparently gave a lot of weight to what should only be termed as internet flotsam).
This preemptive opinion seems disrespectful of those who coordinate candidate forums, and of voters presumed too disengaged to vote or attend candidate forums, or form an opinion on their own.