Choosing who will represent Western Massachusetts on the Governor’s Council starts with understanding the role of a body about which most voters know very little.

The Governor’s Council consists of eight elected members who do the vetting of candidates nominated for judgeships. It also deals with appointments to the Parole Board and with issues related to commutations and pardons.

This council might fly under the radar of most citizens, but it has maintained an important place in the Massachusetts courts and legal system since colonial times, and still does today.

The Republican editorial board endorses Tara Jacobs, of North Adams, to represent more than 100 communities in the state’s western counties as the District 8 member of the Governor’s Council.