A new day is dawning in Carroll County. The November general election is a mere 40 days away. When the curtain goes down on that event, the county could have up to three new council members, perhaps a new county recorder and surveyor, and definitely a new county commissioner. The county will also have a new leader at the county highway department.

Let's get it right voters, taxpayers and residents. Take your time to learn about your candidates. Ask questions and make them answer you. Do not accept answers that sidestep the question and the issue being discussed.

And let's not rush into a decision about who will be the next county highway superintendent.

Commissioners, take your time to decide what qualifications you will be searching for in that new hire. Take the time to ask the taxpayers and residents what they need and expect in that position. Take the time to visit with the county council about what kind of person or qualifications they would like to see in that position. Do not be afraid to engage the guy who will be commissioner after the first of the year as well as the guy who is sitting in the chair right now. And do your talking in the light for all to see. Do it in open meetings. Resist the temptation to visit with each other and other county leaders behind closed doors to discuss how to make the replacement.

This is a critical time in Carroll County and we can't afford not to get it right the first time.