<font color="#FF0000">OUR VIEW</font> In season: Politics

Opinion

Discussion

March 1, 2010

Originally published Feb. 26, 2010

Anonymous Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Mon Mar 01, 2010, 07:51 AM EST

For political junkies, the season starts today - sort of. This is the last day candidates can qualify for the upcoming city elections by petition. They still have until March 19 to decide if they're going to run, but after today they'll have to pay a fee rather than just collect voters' signatures to get their names on the ballot.

The fee is nominal - $50 - but that's not the point. Qualifying by petition is something of a tradition in small towns. Something of a ritual as well. It's a chance for candidates to meet potential voters in a more relaxed setting and learn the lay of the political landscape. And it's really the only way to go. Supervisor of Elections Glenda Williams says that in her 13 years in office, no city or county candidate has put his or her name on the ballot by simply shelling out the cash.

So the field is likely set for the May 4 city elections. And what a field it is. The offices of mayor and city clerk, as well as three council seats are up for grabs. Nobody's running unopposed and one crowded race (city clerk), has five folks competing.

Should be a good show, if you like that sort of thing.

We do. And we'll be pleased to keep you posted on all the latest happenings. Coming soon: our candidate questionnaires, in which city office-seekers respond to a set series of queries on issues of local concern. Then, just before the onset of early voting (which begins April 19), we'll make our choices and offer public endorsements of those we think best qualified in any given race. That should spark a lively enough debate.

(Note: County races are beginning to simmer as well, but that's another story.)