Normally, after the close of the filing period for the primary and general elections in which there are local races, I find myself lamenting the fact that while many in our community are willing to voice their opinions as to what is wrong in our communities often blaming the elected officials leading them few are willing to step up and run for elected office so that they can be a part of the solution.
The apathy has grown to the point in recent years that most local races do not even appear on the primary election ballot (which requires three or more candidates running for the same position to appear on the ballot) and most races appearing on the general election ballot are uncontested.
For example, in the primary election in 2005 not a single City Council or School Board race for Marysville or Arlington appeared on the Sept. 20, 2005 primary election ballot. The choices for voters in the November general election werent much greater. Of the four Arlington City Council positions on the ballot, three of them were uncontested; both of the Darrington City Council positions were uncontested; and all four of the Marysville City Council races were uncontested. School Boards didnt fare any better. Both of the ASD board positions on the ballot were uncontested as were two of the three MSD board positions and all four of the LWSD board races on the ballot were uncontested. Darrington School Districts lone board race did feature two candidates.
Given this history, I wasnt too optimistic when the June 8 filing deadline passed. But, I must admit, I was somewhat surprised to find that more races this year will be contested than in years past. While only two people filed in many of the races, meaning they wont appear on the primary ballot, voters will have a choice in most races in the November general election unlike in past elections.
For example, three of the five Arlington City Council positions will each have two candidates, while candidates in two positions will run unopposed. Marysville City Council didnt do as well with all three positions featuring only the incumbents and Darringtons three City Council positions are all uncontested. School Districts were a mixed bag all three of Lakewoods School Board positions will be uncontested and two of three ASD School Board positions will be uncontested. Marysville School District Board features the only local race on the primary ballot with District 5 having three candidates while the other two districts each feature a pair of candidates.
Many of those who have filed are incumbents, some have held elected positions in the past, and some are running for elected office for the first time. What they all have in common is that they want to be a part of the solution and are willing to serve to make our communities better.
Running for elected office takes a significant commitment and a willingness to devote time away from family, work and other interests; it requires lots of hours and offers little monetary compensation; and it requires a willingness to put up with significant criticisms some deserved, some not. Kudos to those who have stepped up and said that they want to be a part of the solution and who will be asking for your vote in the very near future. Hopefully their example will inspire others so that in future elections, voters will have a choice in all races on the ballot.

STF

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board
Kris Passey or Scott Frank e-mail forum@
premier1.net.