As I was perusing the guest editorials for the Wyoming News Exchange, which I often dip into for a Thursday editorial, I noticed one by colleague David Peck in Lovell, talking about the quiet primary season in Big Horn County. 

As I’ve already known in this election cycle, Rep. Dalton Banks (R-Cowley) is unopposed, making him the only state legislator representing at least a slice of Park County who isn’t in a contested race. But what was even more surprising is the Big Horn County Commission only has one candidate, the incumbent, running for reelection. 

I don’t care if you’re the most perfect politician, a competitive race is always a good thing, as it encourages more frank discussions on the issues (most of the time). I view it the same way with my industry — good, competitive newspapers in the region and the state are good for us. 

I hope our incumbents feel the same about competition. 

Competition also spurs the local economy a bit — it’s got to be a good year for sign and brochure makers, not to mention newspapers — and allows for lively discussions in the community. 

Yes, as I’ve previously mentioned, the negative tone in some of these races, especially House District 50 in my area at least, is not helpful. And it’ll be nice when the mailbox of ours goes back to just featuring the usual bills and spam mail, much of which is decent kindling. 

But competition breeds more competence and sparks new ideas, even if the incumbent wins the race. 

So, as the primary nears its end Tuesday with primary Election Day, I want to thank every candidate who has taken the time to talk to the community, to the media and who has made it a point to compete for our votes in this election. 

And, of course, if you haven’t done so, or are planning to do so in early voting, please go to the polls Tuesday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and decide which of these candidates has earned your vote. After all the work they’ve done in this competitive primary, the least we can do is vote.