Here we go again. Another special election is nearly upon us.

Tuesday marked the first day those residents of Selma’s Ward 3 could qualify as candidates for the May 24 special election to fill the spot left vacant by the departure of Dr. Monica Newton.

Between Tuesday and April 8, the list of potential which already stands at four can grow and it is very likely to include a very diverse group of candidates.

As the weeks move along there is no doubt we will see an increase in yard signs, bumper stickers, newspaper and radio commercials touting one candidate or another. But what will be most important is that each candidate works to distinguish themselves from the others, giving voters and clear understanding of what each candidate believes in and sees for Selma.

When the winning candidate is sworn in, he or she will have little more than a year to make their campaign commitments a reality, as they will face re-election in August 2012.

Over the next few weeks it’ll not only be interesting to see who steps up to serve their community, but the ideas they share and the solutions they offer. As we have all seen, there is a big difference between the words spoken in a campaign and the actual work that can be accomplished once in office.