It’s been quite some time since the Osceola News-Gazette has endorsed a candidate.

But we’ve decided it’s time to get back to business. The editorial staff is currently interviewing candidates running for the Kissimmee City Commission and the Osceola County School Board seats. These are the races that are likely to be decided by the Aug. 14 primary.

Endorsements are not about media bias. The News-Gazette’s position is not to try to sway public opinion. We believe as a newspaper we have an obligation to help educate readers so they can make sound decisions at the polling stations. It’s a practice in the print industry that has spanned over decades. Here at the News-Gazette, as professional journalists, we are asking candidates tough questions. Then, we’ll let you know what we think and we’ll explain why.

But by all means, we urge you, the reader, to do your own homework. Read the candidates’ campaign platforms and attend public debates. Or, just give them a call and ask questions. After all, they want your vote.

Running for School Board district 2 are Raul Banasco, John Ramirez and Kelvin Soto.

Vying for School Board district 3 are Cindy Lou Hartig and Tim Weisheyer.

Competing in the Kissimmee Commission seat 1 race are Jose Alvarez, Debra Rosado, Robert Secrest and Dave Scherer.

And in the Kissimmee Commission seat 3 race, its Mike DeLong, Carmelo Garcia, Jaime Matos, Hector Rodriguez, Sara Shaw and Druvonda Woods.

For their contact information, visit the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website at voteosceola.com.

A different look

You may have noticed that the front page of the Osceola News-Gazette looks a little different lately.

No, it’s not a brand new redesign, but just a change to make the newspaper look a little more attractive. The teaser boxes that point to where the different newspaper sections are located are now at the top of the front page. And in the left margin is a bold block of teasers about the stories inside. We even included a quote of the day just to provoke thought, which we believe is what a newspaper should do.

While we are striving every day to establish a more online product to keep up with the digital age, we still want to put out the best possible product in all forms.

We hope you will agree.