The Leadership Class of Selma-Dallas County should be praised for putting together Thursday morning’s breakfast with the candidates for the 7th Congressional District.

It isn’t often voters have the opportunity to hear outside the campaign rhetoric of finely crafted, slick television commercials or radio spots or even newspaper advertising.

This particular leadership class went beyond the standard, giving voters the avenue to hear, see and ask questions of the candidates.

And, local voters took advantage of the opportunity, filling the room to capacity for the breakfast meeting.

It is, however, a shame that not all the candidates considered a meeting in the heart of the Black Belt important enough to attend this session.

No doubt attendance and participation will be remembered when it comes time for local voters to mark their ballots.

Thank you to the organizers of this event. Applause to the voters who got up early and began their day with making a move in the responsible way of citizenship.