The more the merrier
Politics is like a party—the more the merrier.
The county is in need of a wide-open discussion of where it is going. Only
a vigorous election with vigorous candidates will produce the debate that’s needed.
The filing period for people who wish to run for the Blaine County Board
of Commissioners will end March 31.
With two-term Commissioner Len Harlig retiring, the north-county seat is
wide open. Incumbent Dennis Wright will run again for the south-county seat.
It’s time for all potential candidates to step forward.
It’s easier to sit by and enjoy the beauty of Blaine County and take
no responsibility for protecting its quality of life. It’s easier to stay home than
to run for office. It’s easier to find a better paying job with better hours. But
it’s impossible to find a better job in which to serve your neighbors and shape the
valley.
There are no unimportant elections in Blaine County. For better or worse,
every elected official has left a mark on Blaine County and its cities. The roads, the
countryside, the cities, the neighborhoods and the schools were all created by elected
officials.
The valley’s next leaders will make decisions on a new highway, mass
transit, urban sprawl, the loss of traditional farms and ranches, and affordable housing.
What those decisions will be and how the valley develops in the next 10 years depends a
lot on who runs for office.
The valley needs people to run for office. Win, lose or draw—it makes
no difference. It’s the participation that counts.
Whether it’s this election year or the next, whether it’s a run
for the Board of Commissioners or for the school board, every resident should ask
themselves, "Is it my turn?"
