Well, we're heading into the end of October and things just don't feel quite right.

Since I came to The Brazil Times in September 2006, this has been the time of year when tensions were running high because an election was near.

However, with this being an off year, there is no election to focus on and it makes me feel a bit out of sorts.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind it because things get a bit overwhelming, so having a little breathing room is fine. It just feels unusual.

Granted, politics don't seem to play that big of a role here in Clay County.

Sure, the candidates all pound the pavement trying to garner all the votes they can, but from seeing government work up close, all the "politicking" goes out the window as soon as the polls close and it becomes all about business.

Sitting in the meetings, some of which I am the only member of the "public," I can see the elected officials working hard to do what they can to make the best possible decisions for the county and its residents.

Obviously, the general public isn't going to be happy with every decision that is made, but in these trying times, it has gotten to the point where everyone is trying to survive, including local governments.

What I always find interesting is to see some people lobby and battle to get a particular individual into office to only spend the next 2-4 years being the biggest critic of every decision made.

Yes, as a voting democracy, it does give us the opportunity -- not necessarily the right -- to analyze and critique those we put in the seats. However, the criticisms would probably hold more water from those who witness what is happening first-hand rather than basing their thoughts on information they receive second-, third-, or even fourth-hand.

We all played the "Telephone Game" as kids, so we know how that usually turns out.

But I digress.

Although there is no election buzz right now, the way time is passing, the 2010 primary election season will be upon us before we know it.

I imagine it will be interesting as always plus, at least on the local level, we won't have to worry about annoying television or radio spots playing over and over and over and ...