Oct. 1 municipal election an opportunity to learn

In less than four weeks, Wrangell voters will cast their ballots in the Oct. 1 municipal election. Voting is easy — cast an early ballot at City Hall any weekday starting Sept. 16, or vote at the Nolan Center on election day. The harder part is deciding how to vote.

The decisions include contested races for mayor, the school board and port commission, and two ballot propositions: One question asks voters whether the borough should borrow $3 million to start repairs to the 40-year-old Public Safety Building, and the other asks if voters want to amend the borough charter so that assembly members could get paid something for all their work.

It’s good to see so many people running for office — 11 vying for the seven positions — willing to spend a lot of hours during workdays, weekends and at evening meetings to help their community.

It’s good because the candidates may have different ideas how to confront some of the community’s problems. The best answers often come after hearing and considering differing viewpoints.

It’s good because a busy election with candidates talking about the issues can prod voters to think about what they want for their community.

It’s good because it may bring more people to the polls. An election without voters is a missed opportunity.

The Sentinel will publish interviews with the candidates over the next three weeks, along with reports that explain the two ballot propositions. An informed voter can make better choices.

No doubt every candidate wants to see the town grow, its residents prosper, new businesses come to Wrangell, jobs and housing available for all, enough funding to pay for quality schools, and taxes never higher than absolutely necessary. Everyone believes in good schools, good streets and good government.

The Sentinel will ask candidates for specific ideas to accomplish those goals, and their ideas to improve the town, so that voters can consider those answers before marking their ballots. We will ask candidates their opinions on the two ballot propositions.

Thank you to everyone who has filed to run for mayor, the borough assembly, school board and port commission. It’s encouraging to see so many candidates this year. And thank you, in advance, to voters who are willing to spend a little time to listen and learn about the issues.

It would be great if Wrangell could set a record this year for voter turnout in the municipal election.

- Wrangell Sentinel

 

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