Tri-Cities needs more independents to run for local office. Please step up | Opinion

When it comes to elections, it’s the challengers who make the difference.

It takes a certain amount of bravery to run against a well-liked incumbent — or even one who isn’t well liked.

But offering a choice for voters provides a tremendous gift.

Democracy works better when elected officials have to fight to keep their seats. It keeps them on their toes and they are forced to defend their records. A contested race forces dialogue that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

When incumbents run unopposed, they get off too easy.

Election season in Washington state begins Monday, May 15, when citizens can officially file to run for office. In the Tri-Cities, there are 60 local positions to choose from.

A complete list can be found on the state and county websites. The filing window ends next Friday, May 19, at 4 p.m.

For the most part, it’s local school board and city council races that likely will attract the most attention.

Every four years voters tend to get worked up over the presidential election, but it’s local elected leaders who have the most direct affect on people’s lives.

Local tax measures, zoning changes, roads, public safety, curriculum adoptions and the like have the greatest impact on people’s day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, voter turnout for local elections is traditionally far below the turnout during a presidential election.

With this in mind, we would encourage people running for office to understand that once they are elected they have a responsibility to serve all citizens — not just a specific group.

City council and school board seats are supposed to be nonpartisan, and for decades in the Tri-Cities that’s how it was.

But in recent times, that hasn’t been the case.

We get it. There are those who believe there is no such thing as a nonpartisan candidate, and that nonpartisan races make it too easy for candidates to hide their political beliefs.

But there is not a Republican or Democratic way to fix a pothole, as the saying goes. This election season we would like to see candidates focused more on how to provide civic leadership rather than promoting a political party agenda.

There are Tri-City concerns that are the same for all of us, regardless of whether you lean left or right.

With the potential recall election of three Richland School Board members, the potential for an ugly, tumultuous summer is high. Those who run for the Richland School Board this year will surely need courage and a singular devotion to kids and to public service.

In addition, we’d also like to remind future candidates that the deadline for submitting Voters’ Pamphlet statements and photographs is May 26

Don’t miss it.

Undecided voters, especially, won’t support candidates who don’t appear in the voters’ guide.

Running for office takes time, effort and a strong will. If you think you’ve got what it takes, please step up and give the voters a choice.

This story was originally published May 11, 2023 at 12:42 PM.