With the primary election less than a week away and the general election coming up fast, the Source has opened its columns to political candidates – with a twist.

Instead of asking the candidates for Senate, Board of Elections and other offices how they stand on a series of issues, the political hopefuls have been given the opportunity to tell voters where they stand morally, and how they view their commitment to their supporters, constituents and the community they seek to serve.

"With cynicism and mistrust running rampant, the Source feels its readers are more interested in ethics than platforms this year," said Source publisher Shaun Pennington.

The primary election will be Saturday, and the general election follows in two months on Nov. 6.

The Source sent all candidates a list of questions. The candidates' responses, along with a short bio and statement, will run in the Sources Elections 2012 section, which can be found on the website under the pulldown "News" menu near the top left of the main page.

A candidate's platform and stand on issues can still be part of the package, but the Source wants them to focus on the ethics questions.

For instance, the nine questions posed to candidates for the Senate include:

• If you knew a colleague was taking or soliciting a bribe or bribes or otherwise acting outside of the law, would you report him or her to the proper authorities?

• Should your public life be a reflection of your private life?

• Should government officials travel on public money? If yes, should the miles acquired belong to the public to be used for the public good; i.e. students’ travel.

• Do you feel it is your responsibility as an elected official to show up for scheduled meetings on time and stay at the meetings for the duration? Will you pledge to do that without fail?

• Have you ever been arrested? If yes, please explain.

Candidates' answers and statements will not be edited by the Source – what they send us is what you'll be able to read.