8/18 EDITORIAL

Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868

Time is now to get involved in your city

Often times these days we are quick to criticize our elected and volunteer public officials, be it planning commissioners at the city level all the way up to the president of the United States.

But rarely are we willing to do anything about it when we don't care for how those public servants are representing us.

Well, here is your chance.

Tuesday, Aug. 24, is the deadline to file your candidacy for mayor and city council seats in Dallas, Falls City, Independence and Monmouth. And, based on preliminary conversations with election officials in most of these communities, a few more candidates are needed before the fast-approaching filing deadline.

In Dallas, four council seats are up for election, as is the mayoral position held by Jim Fairchild. Warren Lamb has already announced he will not seek re-election to the council, and Fairchild last week said he wasn't sure if he would seek re-election to the post he has held for the past 10 years.

Falls City will conduct an election for mayor and three city council positions. Mayor Darrin Fleener has publicly stated that he will not be seeking re-election to a fourth term.

Independence residents will elect a mayor and three city councilors.

And in Monmouth, the mayor's seat is up for grabs, as are a number of city council positions -- both full four-year terms and partial terms to fill recent vacancies.

The work isn't glorious. It's not always fun. You're subject to a great deal of criticism. And people often say that they don't have time to volunteer to serve their community. But if you don't, who will? Too often we aren't willing to step to the plate and lend a helping hand. Then, when we're not happy with the job the people elected to office are doing, all most of us do is complain.

Well, this is your chance to get involved. Interested in running for a city council or mayoral position in your city? Contact the following:

* Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court St. 503-831-3502.

* Falls City City Hall, 299 Mill St. 503-787-3631.

* Independence City Hall, 240 Monmouth St. 503-838-1212.

* Monmouth City Hall, 151 W. Main St. 503-751-0145.

The basic requirement in most cities is that you are a registered voter and have been a resident of the city for 12 continuous months.

It's time to get involved. Your community needs you.