OPINION: Step forward and be heard

We are now officially in the middle of summer but the next municipal election in Biddeford will be here before you know it.

In fact, nomination papers for this year’s election will be available in about 60 days.

If you live in Biddeford and ever thought about ways that you could make a difference in your community, you may want to consider running for public office.

The city elects a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members every two years. In a little more than 60 days, the City Clerk’s office will have nomination papers available for any resident who would like to be on the November ballot this year.

You only need 25 signatures from registered voters to be on the council or school committee; and 125 signatures to be on the ballot for mayor. (50 signatures if you want to be an at-large councilor)

But before you take out your nomination papers, consider this:

1.) The pay is terrible (About $85 per month after taxes for council; $10,000 per year as mayor. It works out to roughly $3.25 per hour)

2.) The hours are long, and the meetings can be tedious. If you’re a city councilor, you are also expected to serve on one or two other sub-committees with additional meetings. If you are mayor, you also have to chair school committee meetings and fulfill numerous other duties.

3.) Behind the scenes, you have to plow through reams of mind-numbing documents in each council packet. You are expected to do this on your own time. You can look forward to spending hours and hours talking about the benefits and pitfalls of inclusionary zoning, wetland protection and hearing concerns about the budget.

4.) If you get elected, you can expect to be criticized by the public for how you vote or about things happening in the city beyond your control.

My wife, Laura, served two terms on the school committee and then was twice elected to serve as an at-large member of the city council. Although she thoroughly enjoyed the experience, she will tell you that being an elected official is time consuming and often challenging. She has zero interest in returning to office. It is a big commitment.

If this sounds good to you, step up and raise your hand. The city needs diverse representation and people with ideas, energy and a willingness to work hard.

If you don’t want to make the sacrifice of public service, please remember points 1-4 before you criticize those who have stepped up to serve.

You have 60 days or so to think it over. I t would be nice to see a lot of new names on the ballot.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer!

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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