The age of presidential candidates is all over the national news, where the focus is on how old is too old. With the opening of the filing period for Wrangell municipal offices just two weeks away, the community’s focus should be on the opposite end of the age spectrum.
The minimum age to serve as mayor or on the borough assembly is 18, same as the school board. Port commissioners must be at least 21 years old.
Nothing against all the people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who have volunteered for public office in Wrangell — they’ve done solid work, and their time and effort is much appreciated. Still, it would be good to add some younger residents to the assembly, school board and port commission.
It’d be good to get new ideas, new energy and new conversations.
It’d be good to get different perspectives on old problems, such as the lack of housing, the lack of workers, how to pay for all the repairs on the borough’s work list, how to attract younger people to move here and what can be done about the town’s population decline. Wrangell’s population is among the oldest in the state, with the average age getting close to 50 — about 12 years older than the statewide number.
There’s plenty of time to think about it, as the candidate filing period does not open until Aug. 2 and will stay open until Aug. 30. The requirements to run are pretty easy: Fill out a declaration form and collect 10 signatures from people in town. And make sure you are a registered voter.
The harder part is committing the time, learning the issues, listening to people and making decisions — many of which are difficult.
For younger residents, think of it as an early start to public service. And when you’re 80, you too could run for president.
- Wrangell Sentinel
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