Results from the primary election overlooked the biggest winner in Warren County: voters.
In the races for House District 19 and Warren County circuit court clerk, a total of five candidates dared to run for office. Donating time and resources for the sake of the common good, they offered citizens the ability to choose from multiple candidates. Warren County voters had no such option in other races, including seats for three state representatives, a state senator and the commonwealth attorney.
The two contested races forced incumbents to defend voting records and communicate their contributions and relevancy. Opposing candidates brought forth new ideas, examined the opposition’s imperfections and spoke of how they might do a better job.
Contested races create competition, spur candidates to work harder and listen to citizen concerns – all to the voter’s benefit.
When there is no competition in primaries or in non-partisan races, citizens lose. Ever heard of the saying, “If you don’t vote, you lose your right to complain?” That sentiment extends to public service. If you don’t run for office, you get government by default. Someone else will fill an office if it’s vacant, usually by appointment. Nothing will change because elected officials assume they are doing a good job.
In the last four years, citizens elected a mayor and multiple city and county school board members in uncontested races. More recently, a school board member was appointed because no one filed to run.
Competition is healthy and without it elected officials stop listening, not because they are bad people, but because it is human nature. If no one runs against them, why should they change?
Public service requires sacrifice and courage, and there is still time to run for office.
June 4, 2024, is the deadline to file for nonpartisan races in Bowling Green and Warren County for the November general election, including Bowling Green mayor and city commission (four seats), school board – Bowling Green Independent School District (three seats), Warren County school board (three seats) and Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation (four seats).
According to the Kentucky Secretary of State website on May 16, there are currently three candidates for the city and county school boards and two candidates for the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation board. There are two contenders in the mayoral race and six running for city commission.
Are you considering running for office? Start thinking about what you like about our community and how it might be better. Talk to your family and your boss. Do they support you? Talk to you neighbors and friends. What issues are important to them? Understand the issues. Research the position and know the responsibilities associated with that office. Call the elections department at the Warren County Clerk’s office to learn more about the position and associated requirements.
You might find there are hundreds of passionate citizens concerned for their community, and they are just waiting for the right candidate. Could that be you?
About Tonja
Tonja Tuttle is the co-founder of Warren County Conservatives. She can be reached at tonjatuttle@warrencountyconservatives.org.