Remember that song from the musical, “The King and I”?

Getting to know you

Getting to know all about you

Getting to like you

Getting to hope you like me

In the story, Anna Leonowens sings that to the many wives and children of the King of Siam, hoping to make a good impression as the new governess.

Those lyrics should be on the mind of every candidate for office, particularly in this case, Southampton County.

Just last Saturday, several incumbents and challengers each got to make the case for their race when they met the public at 460 Cafe and Farmers Market in Ivor. Donna DeGroat, owner, had arranged for the breakfast powwow.

We’d like to see more businesses and civic groups host such forums in the next three months. These up- close and personal get-togethers are ideal for candidates to connect with the people they want to serve. More importantly, voters can get a far better sense of the men and women wanting to be sheriff, a supervisor, treasurer or commissioner of revenue.