I’m sure you are probably wondering why we are doing an issue on voting so far in front of the mid-term elections. The reason is that we want everyone in the area to be as informed as possible before they head to the polls, and to have plenty of time for you to do your due diligence and research before you vote.

The past few weeks, Larry Stout has been breaking down each election from the federal to local levels. You can go back and read all of his ‘Preparing for the Polls’ articles on our website at webbweekly.com, just click on his picture on the right-hand side of our homepage, and they will be right there.

On the front cover, you’ll notice two particular ballot questions circled. While the questions regarding the possible change of government only affect Williamsport residents, we felt that it was important to highlight. Mostly because, quite frankly, these questions are written in a way that makes them difficult to understand. Also, up until very recently, there hasn’t been a lot of focus on what exactly these questions are asking and what impact they could have on the City.

I’m not here to tell you which way to vote on these questions. That’s up to you to do your research and decide for yourself. What I am here to tell you is, do your research and decide for yourself.

What I want to do is make sure that you understand what each question is asking and what your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote actually means. We’ve all heard horror stories about questions like this being phrased in a way to drive voters to think they are voting one way on an issue, but in actuality are voting the opposite way. I’m not saying these questions are posed that way, but everyone has the right to be as informed as possible before they head out to vote.

There are a lot of crucial elections on the mid-term ballot, but this one could change our entire city government as we know it, so please make sure you know what you are voting for before you get in that voting booth.

There has been a lot of hype and media attention surrounding the mid-term elections, mostly on the federal level. While those elections are absolutely, 100% vital, don’t forget how much the smaller votes can impact your day to day life.

Mid-term elections have notoriously low voter turn out rates, and one of the biggest deterrents is often transportation. Both Uber and Lyft are offering discounted, or free rides to polling locations, so be sure to check out those apps if you don’t have transportation on Election Day. Also, every polling place in the city is on a bus route, so go to ridervt.com for routes and schedules.

Because it can’t be stressed enough, let me repeat this, do your research and decide for yourself. I’m not Kermit the Frog over here sippin’ tea, but ask why the change is needed? Ask who thought it would be a good idea and why. Ask who benefits from this change. And ask why has it been so difficult to find information on a change that is supposed to add transparency to our City government.

Counting Candy Corns – Week 2

We are officially on the second and final week of our Annual Halloween Contest! Just in case you need another reminder of how to participate…

Scattered throughout this issue, you will find several adorable little candy corns. All you need to do is count them…easy peasy.

I’ll wait while you count…lemon squeezy.

Done? Are you sure? Did you remember to count twice?

OK, now add that number to the number you got by counting the adorable corns from last week. Got your grand total? Cool, now send it to me!

If you need to, go to webbweekly.com, you can flip through last week’s issue and count last week’s there!

You can email the answer to contest@webbweekly.com, or you can drop a postcard in the snail mail (or in person) at Webb Weekly, 280 Kane St., Suite 2, South Williamsport, PA 17702. Entries must be submitted by Oct. 26th and only one entry per person.

I will then take everyone who answered correctly and pick ten random winners. Winners will receive a bucket full of goodies! Winners will be listed in the Oct. 31st edition.

Every year we donate $1.00 for each entry, and this year we are donating to Beckoning Cat Project.

So look carefully and count them up! I get a little sneaky when I place them, so make sure you check every page closely!
Good luck!