Make a difference and run

With the national leaders hiding cash in freezers, hooking up with prostitutes and cruising bathrooms, it's a wonder anyone aspires to run for any public office these days.

Just look at the role models. On second thought, don't.

Thankfully there are still people who want to run for city councils and mayorships who we can actually trust around our children.

Friday is the deadline for anyone interested in running for mayor or city council for the many towns in our region.

Mayor Ray Miller of Sandpoint is running again and faces stiff competition from Gretchen Heller. Ponderay Mayor Jesse DeMers hasn't decided if she is going to seek another term.

It appears in most towns the number of candidates outnumbers the candidate slots available. This proves that citizens still believe they can make a difference.

A person who runs for public office in Idaho isn't in it for the money. Council members average around $350 a month and many attend many meetings a month.

Mayors don't make out much better on the pay scale.

Our belief is that most people who run for office do so because they believe they can make a difference.

By putting their name on a ballot, they are also asking their friends and neighbors to have a little faith in them.

We admire people who are brave enough to step up and be counted.

Our city leaders are just ordinary citizens who would rather spend time shaping their hometowns rather than watching TV a few nights a week.

It's not too late to turn a petition in to run and it's never too late to learn more about what goes on around you and to get involved.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee