Selma witnessed its first political public forum of the season at Lighthouse Rehabilitation and HealthCare Center on Tuesday. City, county and state candidates spoke to Lighthouse residents about their visions for the future.

They also answered questions about their plans.

We believe that public forums like this are not only needed, but a positive step for Selma and Dallas County.

Far too often we approach our polling locations without proper knowledge of the people we’re voting for.

Advertisements and campaign signs can’t communicate a candidate’s views and opinions. A public forum can.

We commend all candidates who took the time to speak at Tuesday’s public forum. Without meaningful communication between candidates and the people, we can never make the right decision on election day.

The right decision isn’t choosing a specific candidate.

Instead, it’s made by studying the candidates, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and basing a vote on that information.

We must take the time to listen to what the candidates say and ask them questions before making our choices.

We owe it to ourselves, our city, county and state. We owe it to the government we form every time we vote.

That is the right decision.