Wrangell’s Oct. 6 municipal election seems a long way off — there’s no need to rush through summer, as short as it is in Alaska. But the filing period for seats on the borough assembly, school board and port commission opens on Aug. 3, just seven weeks away.

And though it will be the middle of summer, hopefully enough residents will sit down on one of the rainy days when they’re stuck indoors and consider running for office. Your community needs you to volunteer, probably just as much as it needs a good summer.

 The assembly decides on the municipal budget and property tax rate, the rates for utility services, which streets get rebuilt, which borough-owned land is sold or leased, and the policies and laws that determine the town’s direction.

The school board also has budget responsibilities, along with curriculum decisions, staffing levels and the big question: How to provide a good education for K-12 students with dwindling school district financial reserves and uncertain state funding.

The port commission has its oar in most everything in or near the water in town, recommending moorage rates and other harbor fees to the assembly, reviewing and making recommendations on waterfront development, and promoting the town’s marine services industry.

It’s a lot of work for members of the elected bodies — at no pay, no compensation, not even dinner during evening meetings.

Yet in spite of the time commitment and the hassles from community members who disagree with their decisions, residents continue volunteering their time and run for office. Thank you.

This year’s ballot will list two assembly seats of the seven; two port commission seats of the five; and one school board seat of the five. That means there are five opportunities for people to come forward and put their name on the ballot; five opportunities to help steer the community.

Whether the incumbents decide to seek another term or whether others step up to run for office, the next seven weeks provide time for residents to decide if they want to see their name on the ballot and are prepared to do the work if elected.

It’s not an easy job, it’s not always a fun job, but it can be a productive job for people who can make the time to learn the issues and make decisions for the good of the community.