Our View: Now is the time to consider running for local boards

Talk about it

It is a difficult time of the year to think about civic duty, but that’s exactly what must happen this month if someone is thinking about running for a position on a local board in the spring election.

Despite the hectic schedule that surrounds Christmas, now is the time to be exploring the procedure for seeking office in the city of Hudson, village of North Hudson, School Board, St. Croix County Board or the various town boards.

Some positions require the circulation of nomination papers; others need only a declaration of candidacy. The spring election is April 6. (Feb. 16 primary if needed), but all necessary preliminary work, regardless of the governmental unit (except towns), must be completed by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5.

It is too early to tell if incumbents in each of the positions will run again — some will, some won’t. That, of course, should not discourage a citizen who is interested in seeking office. When voters are offered a choice, it brings more people to the polls and gives citizens options to consider. We pay tribute to all the people currently serving in local government and to those considering the possibility of running for office. The pay is low, criticism is often high and the responsibilities are huge. Those willing to serve are true public servants.

Positions open in the city of Hudson include Mayor Dean Knudson and Alderpersons Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard and Lee Wyland.

Positions open in North Hudson include the seats of trustees Daryl Standafer, Sandra Whalen and Jim Thomas.

Positions open on the Board of Education are those of Mark Kaisersatt and Cindy Crimmins.

For the first time next spring, St. Croix County voters will choose 19 rather than 31 members for the County Board. The smaller board was mandated by county residents who voted in November 2008 to cut the number of supervisors to 19. The change will be implemented with the April election.

All positions on the County Board are up for election, including those in the Hudson area (Districts 11 through 19). In the current 31-district configuration, serving in the districts in the Hudson area are incumbents Richard Marzolf, Sharon Norton-Bauman, Peter Post, Roger Rebholz, Bill Cranmer, Daryl Standafer, John Borup, Clarence Malick, Steven Hermsen, Ken Kolbe, Cindy Leonard and Linda Luckey. For the new districts, go to http://www.co.saint-croix.wi.us/ and click on the “Election Information” graphic.

Candidates on town boards are selected at town caucuses in January. Those dates will be determined at board meetings this month.

Up for election in the town of Hudson are board members Ken Kolbe and David Ostby.

Up for election in the town of St. Joseph are board members Dan Gavin and Brett Bader.

Up for election in the town of Troy are board members Brian Schwab and Dan Pearson.

Now is the time to put your plan into motion if you are considering becoming a public servant at the local level.

Tags: spring election, local government, public service, opinion, editorials, politics