Lack of interest in running for office a major concern
Electing the best candidates to fill public office is a practice that’s the backbone of our democracy. Ideally, we’d like to hear the views and peruse the qualifications of several candidates before making a decision as to who is the best choice to represent our district, our state, and our nation.
But it’s difficult to conduct an election when there’s only one candidate running for office. That wouldn’t be so startling if it was just one position, but it’s all three of our school board seats and two of Warren County’s three state representatives.
On the local level, Edd Cantrell and Bob Young won’t be challenged for their school board seats. John Turner also won’t face opposition as he picked up qualifying papers right around the time David Sneed decided he would not seek re-election.
Considering the important role school board members play in shaping the education of our children, it is a surprise — and a concern — more people don’t have an interest.
The same can be said for the state Senate seat currently occupied by Jerry Cooper, and state House seat currently occupied by Charles Curtiss. Those positions are vital in determining how taxpayer dollars are spent and how state policies impact all Tennesseans. With so many people eager to honk horns in Nashville and otherwise sound off about our state government in general, it’s unfortunate more people don’t channel that energy into running for office.
That’s not to suggest Cooper and Curtiss haven’t done a fine job on the state level. It certainly appears they have. The same can be said of Cantrell and Young, who are top-notch school board representatives.
But when no one steps up to challenge these officials at election time, they lose a level of accountability. When that happens, it only serves to damage democracy.