The results of the Nov. 4 general election will have real implications on Central Whidbey.

Candidates for a series of local and state races, as well as one U.S. Congressional seat, met with the editors of Whidbey Island’s community newspapers to share their platforms and answer some tough questions.

Perhaps the most important race for Coupeville is the one to decide who will sit on Island County’s three-member board of commissioners. With one Democrat and one Republican on the board, the result of the election will be a game-changer.

Karla Jacks, the Democratic candidate, will best reflect Central Whidbey’s moderate tone. She lives on Camano Island, but her family owns property on Central Whidbey and she’s spent a great deal of time here.

She understands the issues facing communities like Coupeville. She’s the director of the Camano Center and is formerly the president of the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce, so she knows the challenges facing small businesses.

Rick Hannold, the Republican candidate, brings a conservative approach reflective of North Whidbey’s Navy population. But his claim that global warming isn’t man-made suggests that he relies on dogma more than scientific facts.

In the race for county treasurer, it’s clearly time for new blood. This race has become quite heated with challenger Wanda Grone, a Republican, criticizing Democratic incumbent Ana Maria Nuñez for being absent and making multiple mistakes, which ultimately cost the county money.

While Nuñez concedes she did take time off, all approved and justifiable, she said the mistakes that happened in her office happened while she was present. This does not make her bid for reelection stronger, but weakens it in our opinion.

Nuñez had four years to get things in order. She’s had her chance. She’s even made errors during this past year.

Grone may not be the saving grace for the treasurer’s office, but let’s give her four years to put her ideas into action.

In the race for Island County auditor, incumbent Sheilah Crider is the best fit of the two candidates. While several mistakes occurred under her watch as well, Crider also ushered in positive changes.

First and foremost, the auditor’s office abandoned a long-standing and archaic cash-only policy and now accepts debit cards.

We were underwhelmed by Democrat Rebecca Wagner’s stated reasons for seeking the job.

In the race for Congress, we believe Rick Larsen’s years of experience were important to getting the job done in the halls of Congress.

While opponent B.J. Guillot raised some fine points, his lack of experience may be more of a hindrance than this district can afford.

In the race for state representative, we felt both incumbents — Dave Hayes and Norma Smith — continue to do well in their positions.

Hayes’ challenger Nick Petrish had many ideas for helping the state’s economy, however, some of his proposals may be deemed too outside the norm and may render him ineffective in the legislature.

Smith’s challenger, Michael Scott, cancelled his editorial board meeting and did not reschedule.