Since we started YourHub.com, I have always said that the site will be what the citizens make of it.

The Web is a wonderful place where every voice has a chance to be heard. It is a marketplace of ideas and information.

As all politics are local, sometimes the conversations get a little heated. For example, the debate of who will be the best mayor for the city of Lakewood is an important one that has led to some spirited back-and-forth.

Both Rita Bertolli and Bob Murphy are fine candidates with dedicated supporters who want to make their case. I am happy they are using YourHub.com to do it. We are unlike the traditional "local" small newspaper that behaves like communication is a one-way street. We don't make endorsements and we don't have a horse in this race.

Instead, we open up elections to the people and give everyone a voice. It's been amazing.

Many of the issues that supporters on both sides have brought up have been important to Lakewood. I believe that a voter who takes the time to read all of the postings will be able to make a more informed choice.

The exchange of information and passion that people have about their community has been wonderful.

However, at times during this election, a small minority of users has resorted to leaving childish or just downright mean-spirited comments and postings.

I am probably one of the biggest proponents of free speech you will ever meet. In almost every case I will defend the right for you to say what you want on this site as long as you stand behind it using your real name. The only kinds of postings I can't support are postings that are libelous, defamatory, obscene, abusive, pornographic or threatening. Postings that meet these criteria are few and far between.

But that doesn't mean I condone or appreciate the tone of all the comments and postings that end up on our site.

Free speech is a responsibility, and we should use it wisely. For those who seem to be caught up in the fervor of the election a bit too much, I would suggest you ask yourself a few questions before posting.

Ask yourself if you are helping your candidate by behaving boorishly. Ask yourself if your behavior on the Web is the same behavior you would exhibit in a public square. Ask yourself if you are posting to further the debate or if you are just attempting to infuriate somebody.

YourHub.com is what you make of it. Ask yourself if you are making it a better place on the Web, or if it is maybe a bit less enjoyable since you have arrived.

We have put the site in your hands. Please take good care of it.