No time like the present

It seems as if the new year just began, but the upcoming 2011 elections are already on the minds of many local residents and the elected officials who may have to battle to keep their positions.

While a few current elected leaders have announced their intention to seek re-election, speculation is beginning to surface about those who may want to give public service a try.

The filing period for local positions is June 6 through 10, and a number of important local seats will be on the ballot.

Camas City Council: Seats up for re-election include those currently held by Mayor Paul Dennis, and council members Tim Hazen, Linda Dietzman, Greg Anderson and Don Chaney.

Washougal City Council: Council members Rod Morris, Michael Delavar and Jennifer McDaniel will be deciding whether to run for another term in office. Councilwoman Molly Coston has already announced that she plans to do so.

Port-of Camas-Washougal: Bill Ward’s district 2 seat will be on the ballot in 2011.

East County Fire and Rescue Commission: Seats held by Gary Larson and John Clancy are up for re-election.

School boards: Camas School Board positions currently filled by Connie Hennessey, Doug Quinn and Mary Tipton will be open for filing. For the Washougal School Board, seats currently held by Elaine Pfeifer and the recently appointed Terrie Hutchins and Jim Gadberry will be on the ballot.

So, for those who have thought they’d like to see some changes in how governing bodies conduct business and make decisions, there’s no time like the present to step forward and run for public office — or begin mulling over the possibility.