Well, it looks like I may have goaded at least one candidate into running for Whitefish Bay Village Trustee.
Thomas Fehring, 60, of N. Woodburn St., is the latest to file to run for the Whitefish Bay Village Board.
While I've never met Thomas per se, he's a faithful reader of this blog, and he's emailed me on a few topics I've written about. I will have an interview with him in the next week or so.
I'm very pleased we now have an actual race, three candidates for two spots on the Village Board. Incumbent David Fee and newcomer Julie Siegel are also running.
At the moment, Katie Pritchard is expected to be the lone candidate for Board President.
There is still time, however, for more candidates.
While the filing date for nomination signatures is January 2nd, a candidate needs to file a form before asking for the 20 required signatures. (Read this blog post for details.) So let's say you've thought about it over Christmas, and decided to give of yourself to your fellow villagers. Plenty of time. If you make it to the Village Hall, file your candidacy papers this Friday .. get your 20-30 signatures over the long weekend, you're all set. (And again, email me if you need signatures. My wife and I will sign your form. All you need is 18 more!)
I do want to take a moment and give some thoughts on the people who've served, or are thinking of serving. Bless you. Really, I mean it. I've thought about running, and have spoken to others about having them run, too. The #1 reason for not volunteering is not the hassle of a campaign, not the once monthly meetings. It's the untold hours of your time that you would give up, the committee meetings, plus the certainty of villagers calling you at night, taking time away from your life, your hobbies, your work, your family. All for $600/year?
It's amazing to think 25, 50 plus years ago, serious men (mostly) would strive to be leaders of their communities. Now, our lifestyles are different. Our children engage us in ways unthinkable decades ago, soccer, dance, hockey, etc. We try to maximize our family time at all costs. Stepping forward, volunteering to lead your community and its governmental needs falls far down the family priority list.
So I salute those who've held these positions, past, present, and future. Thank you for your service.
