| Francis Wick,
CEO of Wick Communications Co. Ignore the two-party static; your vote does count The calamitous debate June 27 between the presidential contenders scorched in our collective psyche one of our most despairing moments in recent history, begging the question: Is our political system so dysfunctional that it can no longer serve the citizenry?
According to MoneyWatch, there was a 30-percent decline in TV viewers compared to the first debate between the two men in 2020, when more than 73 million people watched across all TV networks. Are we surprised? It was hard to stomach what was showcased as a consequential debate. From the beginning, President Biden showed himself an old man, hell-bent on keeping his grip on power. But Father Time betrayed him -- once again -- as the president failed to maintain focus and composure under the pressures of Round One of two live debates -- the second scheduled for September. Former President Trump, poised in contrast, mostly averted actual policy issues but delivered a relentless arsenal of falsehoods, exaggerations and outright lies. Just days from America's Independence Day, a CBS News/YouGov Poll indicated that 72% of respondents believe President Biden does not have the mental or cognitive health to serve in office vs. 49% for former President Trump. This same poll (4.5% margin of error) suggests 86% of people who think President Biden should not run for office is because of his age, and 89% who believe former President Trump should not run due to his decision-making while in office. So, there you have it; we feel one is too old, and the other is not trustworthy. Is there really a choice? For too long, the national media and its obsession with the two-party system has driven a narrative that does not resemble reality in our communities and only serves to help foster a false notion that our voice and vote no longer matter. Nothing can be further from the truth. Now, more than ever, we have to counter this and ensure we vote, whether our ideologies lean left or right. The communities that Wick Communications' newspapers cover represent the best of what America is about, wholesome small-town living. We've seen how true impact, leadership and governance emerges from the local and regional levels from those who care about future generations and quality of life and not from those who only want to serve the two-party system. Candidates who win seats on the school board, town council and in the state legislature will have the most day-to-day influence and impact on the place we call home. Let's support these dedicated people vying for your vote regardless of the specter of a presidential race few can get excited about. Over the next five months, we will endeavor to bring forth what you and your neighbors are saying about local and state races and initiatives. We have already been sharing with our readers why people are running, focusing not on party affiliation but on what they want to accomplish, why they're driven to serve and whether they care more about the people they represent than those funders or organizations who helped them get elected. One litmus test is their willingness to work collaboratively with others.
There are many reasons our national political system has devolved into its current state, yet it's still the best form of governance a free country has been provided. But things are changing quickly and if we allow ourselves to be removed from the democratic process then what we saw on Thursday is precisely what we will get – no good choice at all at any level.
Please engage in the process and vote. Happy Fourth of July!
Wick is CEO of Wick Communications Co., the parent company of the Montrose Press and 26 other community newspapers in 12 states. | 
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