Dear Editor,
In his editorial on Jan. 9, Chuck Smith said “this is a chance to make a difference on the local level. This is where the decision making begins.”
The League of Women Voters of Great Bend agrees. The local level is where we have more opportunities to influence the services that are provided.
We have the opportunity to meet with our elected officials, go into their office or places of business and share our feelings about the business of our city, our schools, and our community college.
This election there will be several open seats held by current members who have announced they will not be filing again as well as all other positions that are up for election.
Citizens have until Jan. 25 to file for office or to encourage another good candidate to file. Unless there is a huge controversy, many times local elections go almost unnoticed, and the opportunity is lost for qualified people to serve their community.
The League of Women Voters of Great Bend does not support or oppose any candidate, but strives to provide opportunities for voters to become familiar with them and their positions and to educate the public about issues.
The Great Bend City Council meets twice a month in the evening and members are assigned to committees that require additional meetings. The board of USD 428 meets once in the evening and often one time at noon to conduct business.
The Board of Trustees of Barton County Community College meets once a month for it’s regular meeting and usually has a study session prior to the regular meeting.
All meetings are open to the public and it is hoped that those who file for election have observed at least a few meetings.
No compensation is received for serving in any of these offices.
Those officials who terms expire this year are:
City of Great Bend
Mayor Mike Allison
First Ward Mitch Haney
Second Ward Dale Westhoff 
Third Ward Allene Owen 
Fourth Ward Randy Myers
USD 428: Dwight Young, Wade Babcock, David Holste (who has announced he will not run again) and Jean Cavanaugh (who has announced she will not run again).
Board of Trustees of Barton County Community College: Dr. Paul Maneth, Mike Johnson, Frank McKinney (who has announced he will not run again).
In a few short days the candidates for these offices will be announced when the filing date has expired.
Is it time for you or your preferred candidate to get involved?
Mary Lou Warren,
president
League of Women Voters of Great Bend