I think that all of us owe our gratitude to those serving and wishing to continue to serve. I'm sure that like me, most citizens of Shorewood are grateful for their service.

However, democracy does not operate on the basis of self-succession, but thrives with opposition. Today's situation means that most people serving on both public boards in Shorewood will be there after running for office with minimal opposition or without opposition at all.

What are the consequences? One is that the significance of representative government is diminished. How do those who are in office know who they represent or that their ideas are representative. Will those who vote do so because of name recognition or because they merely believe in voting?

When I see unopposed names on the ballot, I don't mark anything in the box, for the candidate is already going to be in office, with or without my vote.

Perhaps in the best interest of democracy, those who are going to be in office will have to take this situation as an opportunity, as an opportunity to develop the system that they are part of so that it improves its function as a representative system of the people.

Of course, I might have some suggestions, but it seems that those running for office should first of all indicate how they will develop ways to be more representative of the people. They must lead those already in office in developing better methods for representation.

It now becomes the obligation of all who will be in public office to take courage and to show how the system that they are part of, will work in the interest of democracy. And this will not be a time for platitudes. I wish everyone involved, good fortune.

Post note:  I believe now is the time to establish town meeting sessions, so that we can learn what the citizens want and to whom officials are responsible.  Town meetings may further improve citizen interest in local government.