It's up to you, Rio Rancho

Despite a pledge to endorse political candidates, The SCORE will not do so for the March 4 election in Rio Rancho.

The SCORE had hoped to put together an on-line editorial board of citizens who live and work in the city to rank the candidates as a basis for endorsements. But due to time constraints, The SCORE was unable to construct a group that was appropriately balanced enough that it  could fairly consider all the candidates.

As a mostly one-man operation, The SCORE was concerned about having an undue influence over crucial races that are being covered by limited media outlets. The publisher has his personal preferences and has already expressed them during early voting, but wanted to be able to consider input from other resources before expressing any public viewpoints.

There is a second reason not to endorse at this time: There’s been so much mud flung by candidates and their supporters that it has been difficult, if not impossible, to get a clear picture that one can be confident in.

Here are just a few story ideas/allegations pointed our way that have not been completely investigated to our satisfaction, again due to a lack of time:

• Continued reports of candidates or campaigns destroying or removing campaign materials and signs.

• Personal allegations of child abuse, infidelity, fraud and attempts at undue influence.

• Tips about candidates who have not exercised their franchise by failing to vote in recent city elections.

• Reports of candidates pushing the law to the edge (and perhaps beyond) by campaigning on city property, using illegal signs (by size, location or failurer to receive proper stickers from the city) and/or attempting to use city distribution mechanisms to promote themselves.

• Distortions or exaggerations of an opponent’s position on given issues.

• Candidates being removed from positions of authority because of incompetence, political pressure and/or failing to show up to meetings vital to their roles.

Some of this is just politics and the attempt of candidates to point out the differences between themselves and their opponents. But most of it is innuendo that can’t be substantiated yet or simply backstabbing that has taken Rio Rancho politics to a new low.

If there is a runoff election, we hope to be able to properly vet the candidates in time to make a fair and unbiased endorsement. Until then, we trust the citizens of Rio Rancho to make the right decision for themselves and their families. The only guidance offered at this time is to look for those candidates who have ideas and are going to DO something, not those who are simply in the race to bring others down.

The only other idea we make at this time is to be sure to vote on Tuesday. To paraphrase the late Johnnie Cochran, the attorney whose colorful turn of a phrase helped O.J. Simpson avoid a murder sentence:

“If in your schedule voting doesn’t fit, you must shut up when the winners sit.”