The state Legislature gets more attention than any other government body, but it’s often local offices that have the most potential to impact your everyday life.
That’s why this year’s elections will be yet another opportunity to shape life in the cities, school boards and tax districts that comprise the political landscape in the Lewis County area.
Candidates have started coming forward already as mail-in filing week begins April 27.
Centralia attorney Peter Abbarno announced last week that he will pursue the city council seat soon to be vacated by Gabe Anzelini.
Meanwhile, longtime Napavine public servant Robert Wheeler, currently a city councilor, announced Monday he will be seeking to unseat Mayor John Sayers.
Competition is important to ensure we have the very best representation at all levels of government.
This year, city council positions will be up for grabs in Centralia, Chehalis, Winlock, Morton, Mossyrock, Napavine, Pe Ell, Toledo and Vader.
Likewise, many of those same areas will be seeking new members for school, fire, cemetery, utility and hospital districts.
Consider offering your talents to public office, or encourage capable friends and acquaintances to take the plunge.
Below are a few important deadlines pertaining to filing for office provided by the Lewis County Auditor’s Office:
• April 27-May 15: Mail-in declarations accepted. The declaration of candidacy form must be complete, the oath signed and any filing fee included. Filings submitted by mail will be retained for processing until May 11, when filing opens for all candidates. Fillable Candidate Declaration forms are available on the elections website at vote.wa.gov/lewis. Complete, print and sign the form before mailing.
• May 11-15 : In-person filing week. At 8 a.m. on Monday, May 11, in-person filing begins in the Auditor’s Office of the Lewis County Courthouse and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
• May 11-15: Online filing week. At 9 a.m. on Monday, May 11, online candidate filing begins and ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 15. To file online, go to the county website at vote.wa.gov/lewis, select Online Candidate Filing. Candidates who choose to file electronically may pay their filing fee online by credit card.
For a list of open offices, go to vote.wa.gov/lewis and under Candidate Information select Offices Open for Election to see offices, incumbents and filing fees.
