Governor's Race: What to know to guide your vote

As owner and publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com, I am honored to ensure that this region has the benefit of a free press. The public service that this company provides is a commitment I take very seriously. I also know that we need to keep pushing and reviewing every corner of our operation to make sure we're providing our readers and users with the news and information they need most.

To that end, today's editorial represents a shift in the way we will approach some elections. Instead of an endorsement for governor, I asked the editorial boards of both The Inquirer and Daily News to provide instead a summary of where the candidates stand on the critical issues facing the state, as well as the position each paper has taken on those issues and then let the voters decide who they think is most qualified. My aim is simple: to help people make informed decisions about their vote. We will still endorse certain candidates in the future. But I want to use this opportunity to hear from you about this new approach. Is it useful? Will it help or hinder your decision about who to vote for? Do our newspapers' endorsements matter to you? If so, why?

Pleaset let me know, by emailing me at glenfest@philly.com, or by sending a note to my attention at 801 Market Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 1910. As we try different approaches in the coming year, I'll be interested in your ideas and input.

But above all, do go to the polls and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4. It as a right and responsibility of all Americans.

-Gerry Lenfest, Publisher