Take an interest in City Council election

Filing opened this week for the Porterville City Council election June 5.
Already, several citizens have expressed an interest in running, including incumbent councilman Brian Ward who has announced he will seek re-election. Two other incumbents whose terms expire in June — Ron Irish and Cam Hamilton — have not said if they will run in June.

Electing local folks to manage your local government is always important. No one has more direct impact on your lives than your local elected officials. That is true for local school boards as well. Because these elected officials live, work and get out in the community, you have numerous ways to interact with them and express your opinions. Those elected to local offices not only have to be good listeners, but at times they have to have a pretty thick skin.

This council election is pivotal because of the growth the city may experience over the next two to 10 years. It will be the council that will make decisions on that growth and how to pay for a city that is likely to grow by leaps and bounds. Any time you gain residents, you gain costs such as more streets to maintain, more crime to deal with, more sewage to treat and more water to deliver. All of those cost money and how those costs are spread out impacts everyone living in the city.

It is not only important for people to run for City Council, but for residents to take an interest and make the best decision they can when voting. The best government is by the people and the more people take notice, the more they have a say.

Porterville residents have never been shy about running for City Council. It seems the council draws people interested in serving. The last council election in 2010 drew 10 candidates. In 2008, seven candidates ran and in 2006 five ran for council. In 2003, 10 ran and in 1999 there were eight candidates. There are already four people who have indicated they will run in June. There are three open seats.

With the attention already being placed on Porterville, it is imperative the city has not only a strong council, but a council that will work together for the betterment of the community. A divided council only serves to scare away prospective businesses.

Those considering to run have until March 9 to make up their minds. If any of the three incumbents decide not to run, then that deadline is extended five days.

We hope the glowing prospects for the community bring out the best to serve as council members and direct growth over what promise to be very exciting times in Porterville.