The best candidates want to give back

There are a lot of reasons why people seek public office.

Probably the best reason is when people feel the community has been good to them and they want to give something back. It usually, but not always, comes after families are raised, and there’s more time for public service.

This reason probably produces the most effective elected officials.

Another reason is that someone encourages someone to run because if they get a friend in office then they can work the system.

This seems to be the standard reason today. You see it being played out every day, and it usually produces the worst results.

Then there is the ego boost. It’s difficult to see how people get an ego boost in public office.

Getting beat up by people who react from lack of knowledge or sometimes stupidity hardly sounds like fun.

These people get a rush when they hear themselves referred to as “the honorable…”

They get a certain rush from the recognition that comes from being an elected official.

This kind of candidate likes things to remain the same, and doesn’t like change. Change requires one to think a little, and to them “perish the thought;” don’t confuse them with the facts.

They seldom have any valid ideas, but like to react to those who do have ideas.

You can see it all in the current races going on in Electric City.

Slates there are partially wrapped around changes the city is undergoing now.

City administration, the council and mayor have outlined an aggressive schedule of change. And boy has this stirred up people.

Currently, work is going on with sidewalks, curbs and street changes, with most of the cost borne by grants.

Recently, there was a groundbreaking on a new “ young family” like park behind the fire hall.

Also, more grant money is in the pipeline for a trail along the highway between Coulee Playland and North Dam Park.

This will provide a degree of safety for those who like to walk this route.

Thi is just part of change coming Electric City’s way.

People who stand in the way of change need to “embrace” it for the overall good that change will provide to residents there.

Newcomers to city government would be well served to continue a plan for change.

One such plan would be to accelerate cleaning up the mess and ugly appearance of the city. A former city attorney had it right when he painted “Electric City the ugliest city in the west” on the side of his building. He quickly painted over it, but it was there long enough to make a lasting impression.

Lots to do for people who seek office for all the right reasons.