We heard a saying once, which we’ll paraphrase here, that opinions are like noses — everyone has one. As such, we’re quite used to hearing reader reaction to our stories and editorials. In fact, that’s the purpose of this page — to share and discuss issues and opinions.

And while we are used to hearing feedback from things we publish, something happened last weekend that was a first for us.

A candidate for the Natchez city clerk’s office pulled out of the race in reaction to an unpublished story about his financial background.

Peter Rinaldi’s reaction is disappointing because by pulling out of the race without giving the process a chance to develop, Mr. Rinaldi did a disservice to the voters by not giving them the opportunity to accept or reject his explanations of his experiences.

It’s a mistake that politicians and candidates on all levels of government often make — from the White House to city hall.

We’re disappointed candidates don’t take the opportunity to sit down and explain a sensitive issue to the voters — through us or in any other manner, because that choice ultimately shortchanges the voters of Natchez who deserve the opportunity to know as much as possible the candidates vying to lead their government — particularly in areas that pertain to their qualifications for office.

None of the candidates should be surprised that we’re willing to ask tough questions. We think that one of the most important things we do as a newspaper is to ask questions for our readership – often questions that our readers either don’t have the time, the opportunity or, bluntly, the nerve to ask.

Such public scrutiny comes with public office — or an attempt to gain a public office.

And as voters, we should remember that a candidate or elected official’s actions — or reactions — can speak as loudly as their words.