Wanted: Sincere,intelligent residentsto run for local officesAnyone who’s paying attention can see there’s plenty going on in local government.In City Hall, despite earnest promises to make peace and save money, our city administrator has not gained ground 10 months on the job.He’s come up with no new savings to taxpayers, is costing heaps in administrative micro-management and has laid to waste cooperative ventures that took years to build.Our city administrator’s position, unfortunately, is appointed. City residents can’t vote him out of office.Those who hired him, however, are elected, and can be replaced by voters on Nov. 2.Now’s the time, local electorate, to start thinking about new leadership, as the filing period for city council and mayor closes July 20.We have fewer than 12 days to rustle up candidates for a mayor (a two-year term) and two four-year council positions (north and south wards).Affidavits of Candidacy must be filed at City Hall by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20. Questions about filing may be directed to 449-2388.City Hall isn’t the only place with opportunities for new leadership this fall.With the state of Minnesota balancing its budget on the backs of local governments, things are getting interesting in county and school arenas, too.There’s never been a better time for sincere, intelligent residents to consider getting involved with prioritizing spending for programs and processes.In the past few years I’ve been involved in too many conversations with too many potential leaders to not dedicate a column to this topic.This is the beauty of a democracy: If we don’t like the way things are done, we can replace the people who are making things happen.Even if we’re satisfied with the work of our current elected officials, it’s a good idea to get involved at a level where we can make a difference.I’ve always admired people who dare to run for local office. It’s not an easy job, and those quick to criticize should be prepared to offer reasonable alternatives or run for office themselves.That chance started July 6 and ends on July 20.In county government, three commissioner seats are up for election, and on the Luverne School Board, three seats are open for four-year terms.The deadline for those filings is also 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the courthouse and district office, respectively. The phone number for the Rock County Auditor’s Office is 283-5060, and the Luverne District office can be reached at 283-8088.