If not you, who?

Attracting people to run for public office in Wrangell can be as difficult as finding a snow shovel to borrow in a winter storm — they are all busy.

Nonetheless, they are essential.

Quality candidates for borough assembly, school board and port commission are invaluable for the community. The elected bodies control spending in excess of $20 million a year in taxpayer, state and federal money. The members make decisions that affect the life of more than 2,000 residents and the life span of public buildings.

It’s a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. But not everyone has the time or the inclination to serve. Which is OK. Wrangell doesn’t need everyone to run for office, just enough people to prompt discussions of the issues in town and to responsibly fill out the four seats that will be open on the Oct. 3 municipal election ballot.

The deadline for candidates to file is 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at City Hall. There is a form to complete, and candidates need to collect 10 signatures from registered voters to file for office. So, even though you’re probably busy with end-of-summer activities, don’t wait until 3:59 p.m. Aug. 31 to think about it.

It’s an important job, and someone has to do it.

— Wrangell Sentinel