This week, FBI Director James Comey’s head became the latest to roll under a president who’s famous for the phrase, “You’re fired.”
Fortunately, presidents aren’t the only ones with such authority. The process isn’t as quick and is usually done with less pomp, but the public will start down the long road of selecting its own representatives on Monday with the official start of filing week.
From May 15-19, those wishing to serve, or oust, will announce their candidacies to run for a host of local offices. On South Whidbey, there’s plenty to choose from: the Langley City Council, the Port of South Whidbey, the Freeland Water District, the South Whidbey School District, the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District and South Whidbey Fire/EMS. Each has one or several positions up for grabs.
But consider public office carefully.
While serving a community is an awesome responsibility and no doubt gratifying, being an elected official is no easy job. They face tough decisions and even tougher crowds. We’d go so far as to say there’s few positions out there that are more thankless and difficult.
Those who believe they are up to the task should evaluate themselves as closely and honestly as the positions they are hoping to fill. If you’re doing it for high-fives, it’s probably not the job for you. Also, there’s all that other stuff like being honest, thinking about the public first, being transparent, etc.
If you’re still up for it, then good on you. Island County has many fine and dedicated public servants, but having a larger pool to select from is something we can all benefit from. Contested races are a chance for in-depth discussions about important issues that affect us all and an opportunity to select the best representatives for our communities.
Running against an incumbent isn’t a slight, it’s a chance for democracy.
If you do like your local elected leader, however, tell them so or support them at the polls. We’re sure they’d appreciate it.
Here’s to a good election season ahead, may the finest candidates win.
