No time like the present to consider running for office

The Primary Election is coming up in June.

It may seem like a long way off, but not for individuals considering runs for respective offices, it's only a little over four months away.

For any of you out there mulling over the idea of seeking any of the open positions, now would be the time to step up to the plate, pick up your petitions and get them filed, allowing yourself a little bit of campaign time to present your views and confirm why you would be the right person to get the job done.

Up to this point, nobody additional has stepped forward, only two veteran incumbent candidates have filed for respective positions, Rich Mattern, seeking a three-peat term as mayor, and incumbent school board member Karen Nitzkorski.

In West Fargo, there are two open city commission posts, the mayor position is up for reelection, three park board seats are open, and four school board positions are up for grabs, as is the municipal judgeship.

All are four year terms.

It used to be that you could call city hall and staff could tell you who had picked up petitions, in turn providing insight into who might be considering running.

But that knowledge isn't quite as deliberate anymore with the applications available on line.

That may be a good thing, in that it adds a little more suspense.

Anyway, those of you thinking about it need to know the deadline for turning in candidacy petitions, along with a Statement of Interest form, is Friday, April 9, at 4 p.m. All the paperwork required is available for any of the open positions on the city Web site at westfargond.gov or the school district Web site at www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us.