Where have all the candidates gone?

Column originally published Sept. 28, 2005

CLINTON - When election math is simple, it isn't any fun.

Let me put it this way: There are four seats open this fall on the Clinton City Council. And there are four people running for those four seats. In this case, four plus four equals no contested races.

And since the only non-incumbent running has already served almost five years on the council, there's not even one new face in the mix.

My frustration here is not meant as a personal indictment of any of the current council members. It's not their fault no one else is running.

However, I find it stunning that after the summer of our discontent over everything from the police facility vote to ongoing Vision Iowa projects and everything in between (large vehicle parking, handicap parking spaces, sewer fees and general property tax malaise) that when it came time for the complainers to put their own butts on the line, there were no takers.

Continue reading "Where have all the candidates gone?"