Should you run for Monticello City Council or school board?

To the Editor,

   It’s time consuming… it doesn’t pay well or at all… you can sometimes be unpopular with your neighbors… there is little thanks. Why would anyone want to run for a city council position or school board position for our small community?

   A person running for the city council wants to see our town progress. They vote for fairness in having crime-free streets, support those with emergencies, want recreation and beautification of our town, plan for healthcare and educational facilities, recruit businesses to help townspeople make a living, and support decisions for housing. They also must have a vision of collaborating with others to look forward.

   The same qualities could be true for school board members, but with more focus on educating the children of our future. Public school board members advocate for everyone to have the opportunities to learn and be a productive citizen. Public schools educate preschoolers through high school who are academically gifted, physically/academically challenged, emotionally challenged, athletic, musical, artistic, college bound, and workforce bound. Votes and decisions from a public-school board member encompass a fair and productive decision-making process to serve the needs of all those students enrolled. They root for our kids in the classroom, on the playing field, and on the auditorium stage.

   I believe a person that runs for either of these important positions simply believes our small community is worth it. Yep, it’s that simple. It’s pride… it’s giving back… it's the feeling you have when you’ve helped to make a difference in your own town.

   Let’s be sure when we step into the voting booth on Nov. 7, we’re voting for leadership in our community, and we have a healthy list of participants who all want to make a difference.

   Can you be that person? I think you can!

Mary Melchert

Monticello, Iowa

   (Note: Refer to the Aug. 2 edition of the Monticello Express (pages A3 and A8) as to the nomination process details (Aug. 28 through Sept. 21) through school district secretaries or the Jones County Auditor. There are two open school board positions, and the city council votes include supporting the positions of mayor and six at-large seats.)