People are always urged to find out everything they can about political candidates, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with educating oneself prior to voting in an election.

But one thing I have noticed is that a successful campaign has a lot more to do with what the candidate does than what the voters do. At least, this seems to be true with local elections.

I have seen more than one upset in local elections since I have had to cover them for the newspaper. While those who came out on top did voice their views and vision, the winners seemed to have one thing in common – hard work.

It’s the people who knock on every door in their district, who place signs on every corner, and really work up a sweat to get their name out there who seem to do really well in local elections.

Whether I agree with his or her views or not, I am more drawn to a candidate who takes time to greet me individually and listen my concerns than one who simply leaves a stack of cards somewhere hoping I will pick one up.

Not that they all go around probing me for questions, but at least if they show up at my door, that’s something.

Even though I might not want to be interrupted from my daily routine, I am probably more offended if a candidate fails to knock on my door than if they do.

There’s just no substitute for a well-run campaign, and the public appreciates the effort that goes into it.

Monday, however, we will all have a chance to educate ourselves through what our candidates for Chilton County Commission have to say, provided they all show up for the forum scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Courtroom No. 3 of the Chilton County Courthouse.

While questions will be presented to the candidates, the public will also have the opportunity to pose questions as long as they are approved by the forum committee.

Please make plans to attend this forum if you are able.

– Scott Mims is the news editor for The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Friday. He can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com.