It really comes down to a matter of perspective.

In an election year — that we are unfortunately in — everything you see being done, being voted on, decisions made and those decisions not made, are often spun in a way for one candidate or another.

We see that on the national level, state level and right here in the Queen City.

I often hear there are two sides to every story and the truth is somewhere in the middle. And never is that more true than in this political climate, which makes it even more interesting for those of us in the media attempting to tell what the truth is.

What I fear most is that the truth often gets lost in the story being told. The truth — the facts — I fear are often dismissed for the grandeur that often wraps the lies.

This is nothing new of course. Facts have been spun in one direction or another for as long as man has existed.

You can just imagine Adam trying to explain to everyone why he took a bite out of the apple or Cain trying to explain that while yes, Able is dead, it was simply a misunderstanding.

Financial numbers, unemployment numbers and debt are one thing to one candidate and completely another thing to another candidate. Money spent on a city park or paving a road is an investment, while to the other candidate it is a case of wasteful spending.

Over the coming weeks, we will see more and more names — and political signs — popping up to run for city council, city council president and maybe mayor.

But what I find interesting is that some of those who have already made their name known to run for Selma offices are never in attendance at the regular council meetings.

I wonder why. If they win, they’ll have to be there. Why not show up now and hear from the mouths of those on the council while decisions are made and votes are cast?

Instead, it appears many rely on radio, radio commentary, the web or the famous “Street Committee” to get their so-called facts.

That’s a shame.

I would hope those that seek office show they truly are committed to the job they want by showing up to council meetings and hearing for themselves.

Editor’s Note: Make sure to see Wednesday’s edition of the Times-Journal for a story detailing our editorial plans for municipal election coverage of those races in Selma, Orrville and Valley Grande.