Even though the primary elections are two months away, it’s encouraging to see the number of candidates who filed for positions in the area at the county and state levels.
It appears the political process is alive and well in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties following the filing period two weeks ago.
With the times we are in, it’s healthy to see as many people who filed that are interested in serving the public.
It takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude to step up and become willing to be involved. That includes the incumbents who are holding those offices now.
In Lincoln County, two open seats drew a number of candidates. Present District 1 County Commissioner Carl Munson decided not to run for re-election.
A total of seven candidates, six Republicans and one Democrat, have filed for his position.
The District 28 State Senate seat, where present Sen. Zack Taylor announced he would not run for another term at this time, drew five Republican and two Democrat candidates who will be on the June 28 primary election ballot.
House District 32 Incumbent Rep. Kevin Wallace has a primary Republican opponent also.
District 3 County Commissioner Lee Doolen also faces a Republican opponent in the primary.
Two Lincoln County officeholders, Treasurer Brenda Jackson, Prague, and Assessor Jackie Holcomb, Chandler, both Republicans, won new terms when no one opposed them.
But the District Attorney’s position for District 23, which represents both Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties, is a three-person race and will be decided by Republican voters since no Democrats filed.
Current District Judge Cindy Ferrell-Ashwood’s decision to retire after 12 years serving on the bench also drew interest when two persons filed for the nonpartisan position.
In Pottawatomie County, the only legislative race will be between Republican Incumbent Rep. Dell Kerbs and a Demo crat opponent and that won’t be decided until the Nov. 8 General Election.
Still, the number of persons who have made the decision to run for office shows their interest in attempting to represent the people at various levels of government.
We’re proud of all those who filed, both incumbents and the challengers. The incumbents have shown their continued interest in serving, the others have indicated their willingness to meet the challenge.
Stepping up is what’s important. Involvement is what it’s all about. Especially with what so many people are facing and up against right now and probably will be in the future.