While we see U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama competing for the Democratic presidential nomination on TV, we wonder if Perquimans County residents know who their local candidates are.

These are the people who make decisions affecting Perquimans County and its future. When these public servants act with self-interest, greed and shortsightedness, the people they are elected to represent do not prosper. So before Perquimans voters cast their ballots on Tuesday, we would like them to ask these questions of their local candidates:

Is it time for a change?

Are your business dealings aboveboard?

Do you act in the best interests of your family and neighbors, not just yourself?

Do you do the right thing, even when no one is looking?

Do you, or will you conduct the county's business in the open, not behind closed doors?

Do you, or will you make decisions based on what is best for the county and not to help yourself prosper?

Have you been in office too long?

Voters need to ask these questions about the candidates and make sure they make the right decision for the good of Perquimans County. We need people with good character, integrity, and who have good ethical conduct, as well as people who care about our county.

We were born and raised in Perquimans County and we want the best for the county and the people who live there. Perquimans residents need to find out who is running in Tuesday's election and what kind of people they are. That way when they go to the polls, they'll be sure that the person they voted for was the right candidate for the job and is someone who will serve our county for the best interest of the people.

DIANNE BANKS-PAZZANESE

Nags Head

RITA CHAPPELL

Hertford

CHERYL BANKS

Elizabeth City