The Nov. 2 election means lots of new people could begin serving on the Iola city council and local school board.
To see competitive races is a good sign democracy is alive and well and that people care about the future direction of both bodies.
For the second time, school board positions will be voted on at large, meaning that candidates do not represent particular voting wards.
Our wish is that the same could happen for Iola. In a city with this small of a footprint, it doesn’t make sense to eliminate possibly the best candidates just because they are from the same part of town.
For USD 257 Board of Education’s election, the top three vote-getters will take a seat at the table.
Don’t have a third-place preference? Then vote for only two. There’s no shame in standing solidly behind the candidates you want while refraining to lend support to those you’d rather not see serve.
The important thing is to get out and vote.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. In Iola, vote at the North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye, or call the county clerk’s office at 620-365-1407 for other locations.
— Susan Lynn
