Despite likelihood of state takeover, candidates come out

   The election is now off and running, and the good news is that there are a number of worthy candidates.

          The last few city elections have been lackluster, to say the least, but there must be something in the air these days to bring out a bumper crop of qualified candidates.

          And considering that an emergency manager will be taking over, it’s reassuring to see there are plenty of folks who are still interested in serving the community. In the coming weeks we will be asking candidates where they stand on a number of issues and also discuss their qualifications.

          It’s now up to voters to show interest and actually come out to vote on election day.

          Hamtramck has over 11,000 registered voters, but we’re lucky if 2,500 participate in the democratic process. That’s shameful, to say the least.

          It’s no secret that Hamtramck has its challenges. The city is facing a $3.4 million budget deficit this year. We can’t wait to hear from the candidates how they plan to address the city’s budget woes.

          Anyone who has been following this topic knows the city’s financial crisis is very fixable. But it will take some bold moves by elected officials.

          And taking bold moves requires backbone.

          We are encouraged that this election’s field of candidates appear to be prepared for the work that waits for them.