The need for public involvement

by J. Patrick Reilly

As nomination deadlines come and go in Iowa County, a familiar and troubling issue remains: too many local offices attract few candidates, and some attract none at all.

According to information received there are plenty of open seats on area school boards.  This is understandable with the constant need to go to referendum because the state lags in funding schools.  Referendums are a last resort and become issues rather than the need being understood.

Taxes are high and income is low.

Town boards, village councils, school boards, and county committees are the foundation of government closest to the people. These positions shape everyday life in Iowa County — from road maintenance and zoning decisions to school policy, public safety, and property taxes. Yet year after year, ballots are filled with uncontested races or vacancies that must be filled by appointment rather than by voters.

Serving in local office requires time, patience, and a willingness to face criticism. Meetings are often held in the evening, responsibilities extend beyond the meeting room, and compensation — if it exists — is modest. In an era when public discourse can quickly turn harsh, many residents decide it is simply easier to stay on the sidelines.

But the cost of that decision is real. When offices go uncontested, accountability suffers. When boards struggle to fill seats, the same few individuals carry more responsibility, often for years on end. And when appointments replace elections, the public loses a vital voice in shaping local leadership.

Our area  has long prided itself on civic engagement and local control. Those values are put to the test when fewer people are willing to serve. Strong local government depends on a wide range of perspectives. Without diversity, decision-making becomes narrower and less representative of the community as a whole.

This challenge will not be solved overnight, but there are steps forward. Clearer explanations of what local offices involve, mentorship from experienced officials, and a more respectful tone in public debate could make service feel less intimidating. Encouragement from neighbors can matter more than people realize.

Most importantly, residents must remember that local government does not run itself. It depends on ordinary people stepping up, not because it is convenient, but because it is necessary.