un·op·posed adj.
Not challenged by another: The candidate was unopposed in the campaign.
Why do candidates run unopposed? The candidate may be doing so well that the other eligible persons all support the candidate. Or, someone who wishes to oppose is not eligible for candidacy. Perhaps no one cares enough to enter the election. Or, a candidate is helping challengers in other races and those challengers are showing their appreciation by allowing the candidate to run opposed in exchange for their tutelage, support and mentoring to oppose other incumbents.
About a recent column by this newspaper’s editor, Dennis Box, I may be reading into it. The part I keep mulling over is this:
“I have been thinking about the American attitude toward political leaders. Politicians are almost as low on the opinion polls as journalists. The difference is journalists generally don’t care if they’re hated and politicians, by their nature, want to be loved. That explains why many say they are not politicians, but are community servants who happen to put signs out asking people to vote for them.
I understand the sentiment.
Most local political leaders really do go into office trying to serve their community – at least mostly. All human action is conflicted (this from the twisted mind of an editor known as Mr. Joyful).
I have come up with a solution for politicians to get more lovey-dovey respect. Get more names – a lot more.”
I heard this as a call for more candidates’ names on the ballot. Like I said, perhaps I read more into it than Dennis intended. I was thinking more races in the primaries. More choices for voters. Speaking of voters, where are you?
As of the Aug. 20 certification of the primary, in Pierce County at large, the primary election saw a voter turnout of 19.89 percent. Pathetic!
Of 445,539 registered Pierce County voters, 88,638 ballots were returned and counted as of certification of the August primary, according to the auditor’s office. Appalling!
There were 2030 votes cast for the Bonney Lake mayoral race and 11 people voted, but did not vote for mayor, just the other items on the ballot (under votes). This means about 11 percent of the citizens of Bonney Lake are making the choices for the over 17,000 residents. Inexcusable!
In the city of Sumner, Sumner City Council member Nancy Dumas has filed to run against incumbent Mayor Dave Enslow. Dumas said she decided to run to give Sumner residents a choice for their mayor.
“I firmly believe a candidate should never run unopposed,” she said. “I believe I can bring renewed energy to the team on council. Companies change their management all the time. I’m looking at it from a business standpoint to change the energy, encourage creativity and keep it fresh.” Of course, she wisely filed during the week in May for candidates to get on the ballot and in the voter’s pamphlet.
Synonyms for unopposed: unchallenged, unobstructed, unrestricted, unhampered, unimpeded, unrestrained, unconstrained, unchecked. Are these qualities you want in an unopposed candidate?
I found these comments on the web about the recent November 2012 election and unopposed candidates that made me chuckle. “Either vote or abstain. There’s no reason you can’t at least cast your vote. Might give hope next time around to a hopeful candidate.”
I like this one: “I like to leave it blank. It sends a message: blah blah ran unopposed and won with only 24 percent of votes….what?”
Another said, “I usually write myself in. It makes me chuckle.”
Per pages 20-21 of the Pierce County 2013 Election Guide for Candidates you merely have to file a Declaration of Candidacy and pay the $48 to run for Bonney Lake Position 1 and conduct your write-in campaign. And of course all candidates must file with the state of Washington Public Disclosure Commission. The last day to file as a write-in is Oct. 18, but I think the sooner the better. Of course, you won’t be in the voter’s pamphlet and will have to campaign heavily to get your name out there so voters know you are asking for their vote.
Votes cast for write-in candidates who filed declarations need only specify the name of the write-in candidate in the Position 1 blank on the ballot in November and connect the arrow in order to be counted.
But write-in campaigns are tough. In the recent primary, write-ins accounted for less than 1 percent of the total. It is a lot of hard work to run a campaign, let alone a write-in campaign but it can be done if you are motivated. Lynda Dabson ran a write-in campaign against me when I was elected to council. I imagine she and her supporters felt much like I do about unopposed candidates. In fact Dabson ran against the unopposed one when he won his bid for City Council. Could the third time be the charm for her? The unopposed one and I are about as far apart as any two people can be. Could it be Dabson was one of those “community servants who happen to put signs out asking people to vote for them?”
Anyone out there interested? I personally think someone who is a proven winner is best for the job, like a former council member who knows the ropes, who has been previously elected. There are quite a number of us alumnus here in Bonney Lake. I wouldn’t want to see another situation like Pacific…serious inquiries only please.
If you would like to hear what the candidates for Bonney Lake mayor and council have to say, you can attend the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce Annual Candidates Forum and Chamber Luncheon. It will be facilitated by Dennis Box, editor of the Bonney Lake/Sumner Courier-Herald. If you are not a chamber member, the cost is $15 ($10 for chamber members). It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Midtown Grill, 20609 SR 410 E in Bonney Lake. The event is sponsored by Kelley Farm. Reserve your seat by contacting Lora Butterfield at (253) 222-5945 or lora@bonneylake.com or register online.
