Our View: Now is the time to consider running

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, 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 3 (Feb. 21 primary, if needed), but all necessary preliminary work, regardless of the governmental unit (except towns with caucuses), must be completed by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.

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 Alan Burchill; Alderperson District 2, Mary Yacoub; Alderperson District 3, Lori Bernard; and Alderperson District 4, Lee Wyland; and Municipal Judge Sue Gherty. All positions are for two years.

Positions open in North Hudson include trustees Daryl Standafer, Stan Wekkin and Jim Thomas. All positions are for two years.

Positions open on the Board of Education are those of Brian Bell, Tom Holland and Barb Van Loenen. Those are three-year positions.

Candidates on two of the three area 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 Supervisors Dave Ostby and Ken Kolbe. All positions are for two years.

Up for election in the town of St. Joseph are Supervisor 1 Kevin Adkins and Supervisor 3 Brian Gullickson. The town of St. Joe had considered going to a system using nomination papers, but will be using the caucus for at least this election.

Up for election in the town of Troy are Supervisor 2 Brian Schwab and Supervisor 4 Jason Kjos. Troy uses the nomination paper system.

All 19 county board supervisors are also up for election in April and the redistricting will create more opportunities for candidates. With the shuffling of districts, some will find two incumbents within the same district; some districts have no incumbents. The numbers of each district have also changed. Anyone considering running for county board should get boundary information from County Clerk Cindy Campbell (715) 386-4600, or go to the county website at www.co.saint-croix.wi.us.

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

Tags: opinion, editorials, government