CITIZENS who run for elected offices deserve our respect, whether we support them or not. It takes a certain amount of self-confidence and courage to stand and be judged by voters, armed only with your ideas and a willingness to serve.
We’re fortunate when those few among us take on the responsibility of governing, because a representative democracy works best when everyone participates.
That’s why it’s disappointing so many municipal offices are going unchallenged this year. In Gig Harbor, nobody is running against Mayor Chuck Hunter, or council members Steve Ekberg or Paul Kadzik.
Not one person is challenging any of the three Peninsula School District board member seats, including the one left vacant by retiring director Jill Johnson. Only one citizen, John Earl, came forward to fill it.
And so it went for water districts, park districts and First District 5, where incumbents are running unopposed.
You can look at public offices filled by acclamation as either electoral apathy or the will of the voters. If no one opposes an incumbent, should we assume everyone believes that person is doing the best job possible? Or did no one really care?
The unopposed incumbents, of course, would prefer to think the former, but the latter is always a factor. To what degree apathy plays a role defines the level of civic engagement in our community. Strong communities always have large numbers of engaged citizens capable of civil discourse.
So, on a positive note, we do have several interesting races this year. Former Gig Harbor city administrator Mark Hoppen is running against Tim Payne for one city council seat, while Ken Asplund will try to unseat Derek Young. It will be intriguing to see which issues emerge in those contests.
And on the Key Peninsula, two citizens — Jerry Kozak and Claudia Jones — have stepped up to oppose controversial Fire District 16 commissioner Jim Bosch, and Richard Hanna will challenge appointed commissioner Shelia Hunt in her first election.
Has Bosch lost or gained support for his part in the frequently disruptive and always embarrassing feud with fellow commissioner Allen Yanity?
The candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, and now voters must do their part. Attend the election forums, read this newspaper, call the candidates personally to ask questions.
An engaged citizenry requires both candidates and active voters.
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