Being a member of a town, village or city council can sometimes be a thankless job.
Members of these councils are required to make decisions on a huge number of matters affecting the community, from how much to charge for water and sewer services to how and when to fix the roads to which agencies and organizations get funding and which ones don't.
It's a huge responsibility.
And when council decides to do one thing, you can bet your bippy that someone in the community won't be happy that either they decided to do that, or that they didn't decide to do something else.
You can't make everyone happy, which sometimes results in some backlash.
On the up-side, however, you do get a chance to make a real difference in your community, to have input on the changes that are proposed. You are among a handful of people who gets to decide these things.
So, as you can see, sitting on a municipal council isn't all bad.
It's also not for everyone.
The last go-round, Humboldt as a city was lucky to get the council it did. These six individuals and one mayor have served the city well. Sadly, some of them won't be submitting their nomination papers to come back when elections are held again this fall.
But while it is a shame to see them go, this does open up some space for some new blood on Humboldt's council. There is already one open position, with the departure of Marilyn Scott earlier this year. Two more councillors have already informed the Journal that they do not intend to seek re-election. That's at least three spots total open on the six-member council.
Who out there is willing to fill those spots?
Who has an interest in local politics?
Who would like to affect real change in the community (as much as any municipal councillor can)?
It's time for those people to start filling out some nomination papers.
Humboldt has a wealth of people within its population who, in my opinion, would fill the role of city councillor admirably. I could name a few off the top of my head right now (I won't, but I could). There really is a large pool of available candidates.
Humboldt is also at a point in its story that remarkable things are happening, things that haven't happened in a century or more. The city is growing rapidly; people are moving in; new businesses are springing up. All this is exciting, and complicated from a city planning point of view. Those thinking of stepping up to a seat on the council table should be prepared for that, and for the fact that their schedule as a councillor will be a busy one. There is certainly enough for all the councillors to do.
It is my hope that so many people step forward, asking for a council seat, that it forces an election. Municipal elections, like no others out there, force people to take a look at their community and see where changes need to be made. It's when fresh ideas get brought up, by people who look at the community with new eyes. It's when we openly debate what should be done or not done, and the public shows the interest that they never seem to when it comes to regular council business.
During an election, candidates have to decide what they stand for, and tell people that. They have to argue, and really come up with solid plans for what they hope to do on council, all of which can make a difference around the council table, even if that person is not elected.
So come on, Humboldt; let's get some names in the hat. Let's get some hats in the ring. It's our community. If you want to have a say in its future, now is the time to act.
