Election year offers opportunites

This year — 2018 — is an election year.

On every level, there are opportunities for voters to select men and women who will represent the residents of their communities, citizens of this country. On the municipal (city or town), county, state and national levels, there are decisions to be made.

There are many opportunities to serve, too.

Far too often, apathy and complacency reign and people spend time criticizing and questioning but not helping.

In Pea Ridge, there has been no election opposition for City Council or School Board for several years. In fact, last year a City Council seat was open, the sitting council member did not file, no one else filed and the sitting council member continued in office as provided for by state law.

All year, there have been people commenting, more often complaining, on social media sites and in the coffee shops about decisions being made by those in office. But, those complaining aren’t doing anything to amend the situations.

It’s often been said that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. If you wish to complain, at least take the time to fully understand the situation and try to help solve the problem.

There are 3,205 registered voters inside the city limits of Pea Ridge, according to the Benton County Clerk’s Office. That’s an increase of 401 registered voters since last year, when, on May 1, 2017, there were 2,804.

With four City Council members (two of whom are up for re-election this year), a mayor and a city clerk position, appointed Planning and Park Commission members (appointed by the mayor and council) representing the city residents and making decisions governing the city, less than 5 percent of the eligible residents govern the city.

In Pea Ridge, the mayor has been in office for 25 years, reelected numerous times. The City Clerk has been in office nearly 40 years, actually holding the court clerk position and office manager position concurrently.

In Garfield and Gateway, there are positions up for reelection. Both mayors are serving their first terms.

On page 6A, there is information for who may run for office, what must be done to file to run and what positions are available.

One long-time resident once said that everyone in town should be required to serve one term. He has served on the City Council.

Everyone has different business and life experiences and brings something unique to the table. With nearly 6,000 residents, 3,025 of whom are registered voters, wouldn’t we be wise to share the wealth and each take an active role in helping guide the city?

Consider what role you might play.