Brian Bailey and Rick Cooper/Photos by Campaigns

There is perhaps no better example of what civility in politics should look like than the race taking place right now for Precinct 1 on the Randall County Commissioners’ Court.

Brian Bailey and Rick Cooper are running for the seat currently held by Commissioner Rusty Carnes, which represents much of the eastern part of the county. A third candidate — U.S. Army veteran Vance Snider — is also on the ballot, but withdrew from the race due to an upcoming move for his family out-of-state.

Watching Bailey and Cooper on the campaign trail has been remarkable. The two men have treated each other with mutual respect and kindness. Both candidates talk each other up and compliment one another in front of crowds. Make no mistake, these men are competitors, but they’re also becoming friends. And they are setting an example of how candidates should treat one another on the campaign trail.

Local politics can become inherently more personal because we all live in the same community and share many of the same friends and connections. The trend that is all too common in local elections is for candidates to attempt to burn everything down around them in hopes of defeating their opponent. This is the wrong approach and does not serve the voters well.

Be competitive and advocate your position. Explain why you are the best candidate and make it clear what you believe and why. And, if necessary, contrast your beliefs with those of your opponent. But, at the same time, treat one another in a way that sets an example for the younger generations who are watching these elections play out.

This isn’t Washington, D.C., and these local candidates aren’t running for president. They should be competitive while remaining civil. And that is just what Brian Bailey and Rick Cooper have done.

Well done, gentlemen. Now, if only Randall County could elect you both.