All of those who run deserve voters’ thanks

Published 9:00 pm Monday, November 6, 2006

Democracy is a messy process. That’s the nature of self-government. Getting into the fray takes a measure of ego, to be sure, but it also requires courage, conviction and a very strong backbone.

So here’s to all those committed citizen-leaders who bolstered democracy this year by running for office – especially at the state and local levels. We hate to think of where we’d be without them.

We also salute their families, who made significant sacrifices as their spouse or parent devoted so much of their daily energy to the campaign.

Many of the races on the ballot this year were for jobs that are long on hours and low on pay. State legislators earn $36,311 per year – essentially part-time pay for a job that takes more than full-time attention. Snohomish County PUD commissioners definitely aren’t in it for the money; the position pays just $15,600 a year. Those who serve on most city councils and school boards make even less.

To win the chance to serve, candidates must spend nearly all of their waking hours raising money, going from neighborhood to neighborhood talking with voters, and enduring attacks that are often unfair. Most candidates must wonder from time to time just how sane they were when they decided to run – which may help explain why several legislative races went uncontested this year.

Voters, for their part, are asked only to pay some attention to the candidates and issues, make their choices and turn in their ballot – a rather modest effort for such an important process.

Our hats are off to those who enter the political arena. Whether they win or lose when the votes have been counted, they’ve helped make democracy work.

If you haven’t yet turned in your ballot, you have until 8 tonight. To find a Snohomish County collection center near you, go to www.snoco.org, click on “2006 General Election Information” link, then click on “Community Collection Centers.”