The experience was eye-opening for me. I always had concerns with the lack of turnout for our municipal elections (really all elections in this country), and even more so for the lack of participation between elections, but going through the process I was somewhat surprised to see how often those that do come out to vote base their votes on misinformation or simply lack the information they need.

I heard from people after the election that said they voted for me because I believed in something that I often didn't actually believe in. And, of course, the reverse is true in terms of hearing from people that did not vote for me because they thought I did not agree with them on a key issue when in fact I did.

More than anything, however, I heard from people that wanted to learn more about the candidates, but who did not know how to get that information.

Of course, some of the problem rests with most candidates and their natural urge to stay neutral, avoid controversy and actively avoid taking a stance on issues that may lose them some votes.

Voters understand that they will not agree with any candidate on everything and I believe they value a candidate that will say what they really believe. In fact, I still believe that the people would rather have a candid, honest candidate they disagree with on some issues than a candidate that never seems to disagree with you because they don't take a stand on anything.

That's why Savvy Citizen was created. I decided that the best way I could make an impact politically in the community was to create a single source for getting the information we as citizens need to participate fully.

Our goal will be to serve as that information portal. We welcome all suggestions, comments or criticisms. We are also always looking for people that would like to contribute, especially on issues essays.

At this time, Savvy Citizen will not endorse specific candidates or any particular side of an issue, but we will act to ensure that the information presented is fairly portrayed and make note when we believe it has not - without consideration of who or what "side" we think is the offender.