In this age of electronic communication, with everyone texting and Tweeting, there remain times when we need to see and hear people up close to get a real feel for the person, especially our political leaders.

Voters of West Virginia’s 57th delegate district will get that chance later this month and next as candidates John Doyle and Elliot Simon go face to face in two scheduled debates.

The incumbent Doyle, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Simon. The 57th district encompasses the northern tier of Jefferson County, including Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry and communities on Blue Ridge Mountain.

We congratulate Doyle and Simon for undertaking these public debates on the important issues that will impact the district, Jefferson County, the region and West Virginia.

They should be commended for putting themselves on the firing line under the glare of public scrutiny. It takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude to offer yourself up on the political altar.

Also, Doyle and Simon should be applauded for committing to a discussion of the issues and not personalities, although, with their personalities, the forums are guaranteed to be lively and provocative.

The next legislative session could have to deal with some extraordinary situations. There could be a new governor and major shakeups in the leadership of the Legislature.

The first debate is 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Quality Inn, Harpers Ferry and is hosted by Simon.

Doyle is hosting the second debate at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Byrd Center on the Shepherd University campus.

We encourage – no, urge – everyone to attend these debates to learn about the candidates and where they stand on the issues.