Some notes about the upcoming election season

    Election season is fast approaching for many with April 3 as election day for statutory towns.
    Frederick is anticipating a lively election process with four positions open, including mayor and three trustee positions.
    Come learn more about the process for the election, as well as what it takes to be a trustee or the mayor, at a special evening planned by the town of Frederick, Feb. 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the board room at Town Hall, 401 Locust St.
    The interim town clerk, Michelle Kelly, and I will be leading a one-hour presentation called “Election 2012 Running in the Right Direction” – an overview of the process during the election season and some practical ideas about serving the community if you are honored by the voters’ choice to serve.
    Individuals with a sincere desire to serve their community as an elected official are wanted.  Are you able to listen and look pragmatically at issues and concerns?  Do you like to visit with citizens and interact in public settings, including walking the streets and talking to your neighbors?  Can you synthesize information and thoughts and make decisions that may not be popular?  Can you argue hard on an issue and, no matter the outcome, support the direction of the Town Board?  Do you have 15-20 hours (board nember) and up to 30 hours (mayor) to give to your community while at the same time having a career and deal with other personal obligations? Can you attend weekly meetings on Tuesday evening (sometimes lasting past a normal bedtime!) as well as other commitments and area meetings during the week?
    If you answered yes to these then you might want to consider running for office.  At Running in the Right Direction, you will learn about the requirements to run for office as well as be able to pick up a packet to begin the election process.  You will learn what the difference between campaigning and governing is and how you will play both roles up to and through the election on April 3.
    I can speak from my experience of nearly 20 years as an elected official that the opportunity and gift to serve your community is an awesome and humbling responsibility.   You will find no greater honor than to serve and represent your neighbors, friends and family in making decisions that have both short and long term impacts.  You will be enriched and your community will be well served when  this responsibility is taken seriously as citizens reach out to give back to the community.
    Residents are reminded that this year Frederick will be conducting a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be mailed between March 12 and March 16. Watch for your ballot to arrive in the mail, and all ballots must be returned to town hall in person or by mail by 7 p.m. April 3. If you have not received a ballot by March 20, you can contact town hall. 
    I would be more than happy to visit with you about your interest.  Contact me at my town email, edoering@frederickco.gov, if you have an interest or better yet see you on Feb. 9 at Running in the Right Direction.