ISLAND COUNTY: In Our Opinion: Whidbey needs plenty of candidates for local offices (WNT)

The Whidbey News-Times published an editorial on Mar. 29, 2023 to urge Island County citizens to run for public office during this year’s elections.

The time has come. Those in the Whidbey Island community who’ve contemplated running for office, those who are upset about local government decisions, those who claim they know better, those who are smart, ethical and responsible — it’s time. Your community needs you to step up and throw your hat into the swirling waters of local government.

November’s ballot has the potential for momentum changes in cities, schools and the hospital district, possibly paving the way to an uncharted future. Or it could lead to the same-old land of status quo.

Potential candidates have plenty of positions to choose from. A total of 68, in fact. Nonpartisan, local government positions are on the ballot in odd years. Many of the positions are for smaller boards, like sewer and water districts, but other are a bit more vital. This year, all of the mayors and enough council members will appear on the ballot in various municipalities that significant change in leadership could result.

See also our post ISLAND COUNTY ELECTIONS 2023: Offices on the Ballot.