It's your opportunity to serve public

The following editorial appears in the June 3, 2009, Yakima Herald-Republic.

"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber."

PLATO, PHILOSOPHER

"Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair."

GEORGE BURNS, COMEDIAN

Being an elected public servant requires time, patience, fortitude and commitment. Street smarts and a knack for being persuasive without being pushy help, too.

But none of these laudable traits will do any of us any good if these future leaders don't seek out public office. That chance is now being afforded to those of us lucky enough to live in Central Washington -- but only for the next three days.

In Yakima County alone, 112 elected positions will be on the ballot. During this odd-year election cycle, most of the offices are nonpartisan and touch nearly every nook and cranny of public service, from the lofty position of a state legislator for the 15th District to a six-year term as commissioner for the Thorp water district in Kittitas County.

Towns and cities throughout Central Washington will have council seats up for grabs along with the mayoral post for those municipalities with a strong-mayor form of government. School districts will also be seeking scores of board members.

We doubt it will be necessary to beat the drum for those seeking office for the city of Yakima. It seems these days that just about everyone who lives in the city -- and outside -- has an opinion about how things should be run in City Hall.

But that's the nature of politics -- debating the issues, bringing change when necessary and keeping the status quo when conditions warrant it.

Of course, debating requires more than one candidate running for office. And if no one signs up -- there are three vacant seats in the Cowiche sewer district -- there's little prospect for engaged and informed discussion. Silence does not benefit a democratic society; rigorous debate does.

So we encourage those of you who have been riding the fence to jump off and head over to the auditor's office in your respective counties and sign up to run for public office.

The requirements are not rigorous. For most positions, you must be a registered voter within the prescribed district for which you would be serving. However, if you wish to be the next Yakima County prosecutor, you must be a lawyer admitted to the Washington State Bar. Being a fan of the television series "Law & Order" doesn't count.

You will also need to keep an eye on the calendar. Aug. 18 is the primary and Nov. 3 is the general election.

Yes, there are filing fees, but if it's a nonpaying job, which covers most of the offices, the fee is waived.

So really, there are few excuses. Fulfill that dream of a lifetime and bring a change in your life. In the process, you may also bring a change to your community. That's what public service is all about.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.

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