By Gus Pirlot | City of Salomon, Mitchell County

Tuesday marked the day on which campaigning for state positions began.

Those who wished to be nominated for state positions collected stickers from other citizens, rather than the county and city practices of being nominated by delegates. This requires the potential nominees to take more initiative in the campaign process.

Prospective nominees milled about in the morning, performing brief pitches to citizens in search of stickers.

It seemed to me that most of the candidates really knew what they were doing. They showed the confidence and knowledge fitting of a state nominee and I held no qualms about giving out stickers to my favorite candidates.

This reflects the great ideals of Badger Boys State.

Becoming a state nominee requires more leadership and autonomy on the part of the candidates. Rather than depending on their peers to nominate them, citizens are required to act with the initiative and confidence befitting a proper leader.

This process also makes sure that all candidates for state positions are qualified. Previously, campaigning only required a short speech. Now, only those who truly want to hold office are those willing to campaign for stickers for almost a whole day.

With previous elections, I was sometimes unsure of the candidates’ skills or capability to perform the functions required of certain offices. Some seemed like parrots, simply repeating the same clichés every other candidate said.

With the state nomination system, I am now confident that every candidate will at least be capable, determined leaders who can make smart decisions and show initiative.

I trust that no matter who is elected to be governor, secretary of state, or another state position, he will be competent and worthy of the office. The 51st State of Badger will be in good hands.