Pat Shipley
The 2024 national election cycle has begun with candidates crisscrossing Iowa at parades and fairs. Meet-and-greet events are happening in restaurants, coffee shops and homes. The Iowa State Fair is an annual “required” event for anyone seeking the presidency. America and Iowa seem focused on national elections, but important Iowa elections for cities and school districts will be held Nov. 7.
The Nov. 7 elections will impact Iowa’s large and small cities and public schools. Off-year elections normally don’t have a crowded field of candidates. City and school board elections traditionally have low turn-out and are decided by a hand-full of votes and write-in candidates can win. Hopefully, the prevailing candidates will have a call and commitment to community betterment and not a hidden agenda or grudge to settle.
I was originally elected mayor of Nodaway by a write-in campaign organized by Vince Else, my junior high math teacher and coach. Else talked to people and encouraged them to write-in my name for mayor. He didn’t ask me if I was interested. He just did it. I was on the ballot for city council, and was shocked I lost the city council seat but won the mayor’s election. It was a surprise and an honor. I still serve as mayor. Election to any office is not to be taken lightly regardless of the city’s population or school district size.
Small towns and schools’ survival in Iowa’s financially challenging times requires interested citizens to step-up with desire and enthusiasm. Citizens must vote because every vote matters. Others must run for office, with the vow to keep the interest of community over self. It’s important to not only listen those with the loudest voices but also to marginalized segments of the community.
Public service on small town city councils and school boards is not about extravagant salaries, glamorous experiences or power trips. Navigating opposing views, especially now, is difficult and requires patience and time. If small-town elected public officials receive a stipend, it’s a pittance compared to the time invested. Those who run must believe they can make a difference to their communities.
Being an elected official involves love of community, commitment and desire to serve. Council and board members are called to make difficult decisions about use of available resources and simultaneously insure the well-being of every citizen. Successful city officials or school board members must build relationships, listen more than talk, problem-solve and encourage people to take pride in community and the value it represents.
If we value our communities, public service is needed for continuing existence. Current members may be ready to hand-off the baton. Start attending meetings and reading council or board meeting minutes. Do some research and ask questions. Think about stepping forward to help lead your city or school board.
Candidate filing dates for city and school elections are Aug. 29 through Sept. 21. Nomination forms are available on the Secretary of State’s website or at the county auditor’s office. The number of signatures required varies upon the size of the city. How might your skills be used to make a better community? Elections matter and shape the future of each community and school district.
Make a choice and make a difference. Don’t wait for “somebody” to run. Maybe you’re the right “somebody” for the job.