I’m Sara Strong and I approve this message Here’s how I’d advertise if I were up for election:"Hi, I’m Sara Strong. I am campaigning for the title of favorite reporter because I want to prove to readers that I care about the things they want and need to know.If I win the title, I pledge to continue with the unbiased way I report the news and the unabashed way I share my opinions.Beyond that, I will do things my opponents won’t: I will be at your salad luncheons, at your class reunions, and in your garden if you have large produce to be photographed.If there’s a dog wearing a sweater, I will be there. If your group donates $50 to a charity — I will capture the check passing.My opponents claim to run a positive campaign, but they can’t claim they’ll give you as many news clippings for your scrapbook as I will.Again, my name is Sara Strong and I approve this column because the people who read my writing matter to me." oooooIs it obvious that I’m already tired of campaign ads? It may be too early, but it’s true. It’s especially tiresome for us Minnesotans to see so many South Dakota races on our "local" TV stations. Meanwhile, campaigns for November elections in Rock County probably won’t start until sometime in October.This paper covers only our local governments, because no other news outlet does to any depth, (except Matt Crosby at the local radio station, of course). Exclusively covering Rock County news means I can be relieved that I don’t have to cover other politics. There are plenty of interesting stories I don’t mind missing.I find it almost painful to talk to other politicians who have canned answers for every question, yet somehow don’t really answer most questions.On the other hand, we can have long, meaningful conversations with our politicians here at home. In the last election, for example, Fledgling Field’s future and law enforcement (especially regarding drugs) were big issues. Our stories illustrated what the candidates truly felt, and readers could make educated votes.Compare that to the general drivel that we get on other political races, and it’s no wonder voters are either confused or disgruntled. At least we know that sound bytes like "family farming background," or "small-town values" won't work here because that describes almost everyone in Rock County. And being we all know we’re already in God's country (or at least adjacent to it) there’s no need to tout personal values. So, while some of our national leaders are starting to look like scoundrels and have turned even the most dedicated voter into a cynic, concentrating on important local decisions is the best thing we can do. … And isn’t one of those vital decisions to cast your vote for me?