Races, issues need interest, support

Positions in city government and on our school boards are up for election.

That includes seats for the cities of Bronaugh, Nevada, Sheldon, Schell City and Walker, the villages of Deerfield, Harwood, Metz, Milo, Richards, and Stotesbury, and the school boards in Nevada, Northeast Vernon County, Sheldon, El Dorado Springs, and Rich Hill.

Additionally, there will be a vote on a question for Schell City and a bond issue for El Dorado Springs schools, along with sub-districts in the Consolidated Public Water Supply District and the Vernon County Ambulance District.

Typically, April elections draw only a handful of hopefuls and little interest from the public.

That's likely due to a number of factors, occuring without the draw of a national election, and likely due to the challenging nature of the positions.

We strive to cover the work of these boards, councils, and commissions throughout the year and have written numerous stories on bond issues.

The decisions made and actions taken impact our communities in a very significant way, from our taxes and pocketbook to the very future of our communities.

We also strive to cover these elections. We offer all the candidates a chance to provide their backgrounds and we give them the opportunity to say why they're running and what they hope to accomplish.

If you are running for elected office and you haven't heard from us, please reach out. We'll be happy to send you a brief list of questions for you to fill out and return to us.

So please avail yourself of this opportunity to share with the voters your goals for that office.

And we will continue to explore the bond issues.

We want to thank the candidates who are running for having the interest to run for elected office and demonstrating their abiding interest in our comunities.

We know you face a tough task, especially with the ever-changing state and national regulatory policies and the always tight financial conditions that any elected body must deal with today.

Juggling each of these concerns can lead to contentious times.

While there may be little interest from the public during school board and city elections, as shown by low voter turnout, that can change dramatically when there are hot-button topics that our elected lawmakers must handle.

We can and must make a difference in that process.

As voters, we must invest our attention and show our support of those who are willing to undergo these potentially volatile and emotional stresses.

It is up to us to encourage people to serve in the capacity of these offices, to support them in their efforts, and to become involved now, not later, in the process of doing all we can for our communities and our schools and those who govern.

By doing so, we improve the dialog and the ability of our society to be connected and invested in seeking the best solutions for the betterment of all.

We owe it to ourselves, to those seeking office, and most importantly, to our communities.