It’s interesting that Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele isn’t on this list. Perhaps the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has gone so far left that they can’t even contemplate someone who is socially liberally but has shown a smidge of common sense on fiscal matters.

I’m liking Walker’s odds if he chooses to run again.

It’s a brand new year and another year of exercising our right and duty to choose our leaders. I’ve often shared my opinion that local bodies of government are often the ones that have the most impact on our daily lives. Unfortunately, they are also often the most overlooked governments. Spring in Wisconsin means that it’s time to elect people to run our local units of government and choose many of the judges, District Attorneys, Sheriffs, and whatnot.

In little ol’ West Bend, we have a few key elections coming up. Half of the seats on the City Council and the Mayor are up for election. It looks like there will be a contested race for judge, which is unusual but good to see. Three seats for the School Board are up. In that race, two of the incumbents are not running for reelection, so the race is wide open.

Serving as an elected official in one of these governments can be time consuming and frustrating, but it can also be extremely rewarding. If you are able, please consider throwing your hat into the ring. The reality is that someone will win these elections and if you don’t do it, it might be your jackass socialist brother-in-law or that bubble-brained barista that ends up making important decisions that directly impact your home, kids, and wallet.

If you’re considering running for one of these local offices, you don’t have to decide everything right away, but you do have to get started. You have to file a notice of candidacy by 5 PM tomorrow if you’re interested. After that, you’ll have to get nomination signatures and stuff, but all you have to do tomorrow is file a paper with the appropriate office to say that you’re interested in running. If you’ve never run for office, don’t sweat it. West Bend ain’t that big a town. Send me an email and I’d be happy to direct you to people who can help show you the ropes.

It’s a new year full of opportunities and responsibilities!

UPDATE: I’m moving this comment from Kevin up to the post. I was mistaken in that you do need signatures by tomorrow if you’re going to run. It’s usually pretty easy to get enough for most people.

For nearly all local offices the follwing 3 things are required by tommorrow, 5P.M.:

1.) Declaration of Candidacy, which you just sign with local clerk.

2.) Nomination signatures, which clerk can get you copies to circulate.

3.) Campaign registration statement, which you can just fill out with clerk with #1.