Opinion

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008

Editorial: What if they gave an election and nobody ran?

Many local incumbents are going unchallenged; that’s not good

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It takes courage, stamina and — let’s face it—a dash or two of pugnacity to run for public office at any level. Happily, voters in San Luis Obispo County have been fortunate over the past several years to have many dedicated and deserving candidates run for office. This year, though, the response from candidates has been under-whelming. Several local races that should be on the November ballot won’t be there, because no challengers stepped up.

Here’s how the ballot’s shaped up:

• In the city of Arroyo Grande, not a single candidate stepped forward to challenge either the mayor or the City Council members up for re-election. That may be a first since the city’s incorporation in 1911.

• Challengers filed in only 14 of the 40 races for seats on school boards and special districts in San Luis Obispo County. That means the incumbents will automatically get another term.

• Races that have typically attracted a number of candidates — the Lucia Mar school board and the Nipomo Community Services District board of directors are two examples — are among the uncontested elections this year.

We hope that the unusually high number of uncontested races is a sign that citizens are satisfied with the job the incumbents are doing — or at least an indication that there are no major controversies brewing in those communities.

Otherwise, we’d have to blame it on political apathy, general gloom over the state of the economy or—worse yet—a reluctance to become the target of the kind of nasty, personal attacks that elected officials have faced.

Whatever the reason, this isn’t cause for panic, but we would hate to see this level of disinterest continue for another election or two. Here’s why:

• Elections are key to holding public officials accountable. If they want to stay in office, incumbents must recap their successes; defend controversial decisions; explain why they may not have kept some of their promises; and share their goals for the years ahead.

• Local elections provide challengers with invaluable experience in the public eye, giving them a chance to make contacts and to get a sense of what’s on the minds of the voters.

• Elections give us the opportunity to reflect who we are as a community. If a city council or a school board swings too far to the left or right of the political spectrum, we can vote in candidates who better reflect our beliefs.

But elections—as important as they are — can’t occur without viable candidates.

That’s where you come in. If you’ve considered running for public office, it’s too late for this year, but it’s not too soon to plan ahead for future elections.

Start now. Get involved. Go to council or school board meetings, or watch them on television.

If you’ve never held a public office, gain some experience by applying for appointment to an advisory body.

And to those local candidates who are running for office in November— thank you.

It’s a huge commitment of time and energy, and we commend you and your families for your willingness to make that sacrifice.

Win or lose, you are providing an invaluable service by giving voters what’s fundamental in any election: a choice.