Do you have the right stuff to run for elected office?
All politics are local, they say, and we need more candidates to run for office in the June Primary Election.
This call should not be considered as a criticism of our incumbent office holders. To some voters they may have an advantage because they’ve served their term or terms in their office, and they’ve learned how to negotiate and work their way through the bureaucracy and get things done for the people who elected them.
But there are those who loudly criticize our local officials and claim they see a better way.
That’s how our electoral process works as it sways back and forth from incumbent to newcomer, from conservative to liberal, all part of the voters expressing their opinions about who should steer the ship of state and in what direction.
The deadline to run for office is Friday, March 9. If an incumbent does not seek re-election, the nomination period is extended for five days until Wednesday, March 14.
As the only candidate to file for the Lassen County Superior Court Judge Department 1 seat by Feb. 7 deadline for judicial candidates, Tony Mallery will be appointed to another term on the bench.
Incumbent Lassen County Supervisor Jeff Hemphill is the only candidate seeking the district 3 seat. If no one challenges him, he also will be appointed to another term in lieu of election.
Three candidates so far are in the running for the district 5 seat on the board of supervisors — incumbent Tom Hammond, Lawrence Johnson and Kerri Cobb.
Incumbent Dan Schlueter has not filed to seek re-election as the Lassen County assessor, but three others have — Carrie Insley, Nick Ceaglio and Edward Fritzhenry.
Incumbent Julie Bustamante is the only candidate who has signed up for the Lassen County Clerk/Recorder race. If no one challenges her, she also will be appointed to another term in lieu of election.
Incumbent Lassen County District Attorney Stacey Montgomery has not filed to seek a second term, but Susan Rios and Dave Evans seek that seat so far.
Incumbent Dean Growdon is the only candidate for the Lassen County Sheriff’s position. If no one challenges him, he will be appointed to another term in lieu of election.
Incumbent Patricia Ann Gunderson is the only candidate seeking the Lassen County Superintendent of Schools position. If no one challenges her, she will be appointed to another term in lieu of election.
Incumbent Nancy Cardenas is the only candidate seeking the Lassen County Treasurer/Tax Collector position. If no one challenges her, she also will be appointed to another term in lieu of election.
Two seats are also up for the Susanville City Council. According to a city clerk, two potential candidates have picked up paperwork, but the forms have not been returned yet.
The public needs and deserves the very best people in our elected offices. The voters can make the best choice at the polls, but it all starts with the candidates.
If you’ve got the ideas and the desire to seek public office, now is the time for you to cast your hat into the ring. March 9 will be here before you know it.
