Last week, the Times ran a story that reported many of the Monroe city officials whose seats are up for re-election next spring are not sure if they'll run again. Mayor Ron Marsh said he wasn't yet sure what he'll decide. Four of five aldermen who would face re-election - Neal Hunter (Ward 1), Mark Coplien (Ward 3), Charles Koch (Ward 5) and Kent Kallembach (Ward 9) all said they're undecided.
Only Ward 7 Alderman Thurston Hanson said he was sure of seeking re-election.
The uncertainty of the four aldermen and the mayor caused a few negative reader comments online. Particularly, Koch's comment that he wasn't sure he wanted to "put in the time commitment" drew some wrath.
"People elected or re-elected need to have a desire to do their best for the city as a whole," one reader commented. "If people don't want to give their all, then why bother to start with?"
We'd like to take a different approach to their unwillingness to simply plunge ahead into the next campaign.
Monroe residents should want their city leaders to give serious thought to whether they want to make another two-year commitment. It's an important job, one that if done correctly requires significant time in meetings and researching issues. It also subjects office holders to intense public scrutiny, and often criticism. For the small amount of financial compensation for the work, it truly is a public service that government officials provide. It's a thankless job.
Even Hanson referred to being an alderman as like "running on a treadmill," acknowledging that the work can be frustrating.
Now is the time in their terms - between when petitions can be circulated and when elected officials must formally file as either candidates or non-candidates - when aldermen and the mayor must decide whether they are up for the commitment and responsibilities for another two years. They have about a month to decide.
They shouldn't be derided for saying publicly they'll have to think about it. They should be thinking about it. And those who aren't ready to commit, shouldn't run.
Only Ward 7 Alderman Thurston Hanson said he was sure of seeking re-election.
The uncertainty of the four aldermen and the mayor caused a few negative reader comments online. Particularly, Koch's comment that he wasn't sure he wanted to "put in the time commitment" drew some wrath.
"People elected or re-elected need to have a desire to do their best for the city as a whole," one reader commented. "If people don't want to give their all, then why bother to start with?"
We'd like to take a different approach to their unwillingness to simply plunge ahead into the next campaign.
Monroe residents should want their city leaders to give serious thought to whether they want to make another two-year commitment. It's an important job, one that if done correctly requires significant time in meetings and researching issues. It also subjects office holders to intense public scrutiny, and often criticism. For the small amount of financial compensation for the work, it truly is a public service that government officials provide. It's a thankless job.
Even Hanson referred to being an alderman as like "running on a treadmill," acknowledging that the work can be frustrating.
Now is the time in their terms - between when petitions can be circulated and when elected officials must formally file as either candidates or non-candidates - when aldermen and the mayor must decide whether they are up for the commitment and responsibilities for another two years. They have about a month to decide.
They shouldn't be derided for saying publicly they'll have to think about it. They should be thinking about it. And those who aren't ready to commit, shouldn't run.
