Want to run for office?
This is the year. This is the year that you buckle down and actually run for city council. Or maybe you want to be mayor.
Good for you.
Here's what you can look forward to: long Tuesdays, an occasionally angry public, a chance to spend more money than most people can dream about, an in-depth knowledge of how a city actually works, an appreciation for city services and for representing the people, many of whom will call you. You'll need to answer them.
The job can be agonizing and rewarding, hopeless and fulfilling, exhausting and energizing.
And maybe, just maybe, it's your turn.
But you have to get elected first, meaning you have to file as a candidate.
Starting Wednesday in nearly every city in Utah, and for two weeks, city recorders will welcome future candidates for city council and mayor as they pay a modest filing fee and add their names to what will eventually become November's ballot.
If you have your family's blessing, sign up, says Brian Hall, training director for the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
But there are a few things you ought to know on your path into local government:
Know your job
Many people get involved in local politics without knowing what kind of government their cities have, Hall said. A few forms of government exist in Utah, and knowing if there's a separation of powers between the mayor and the council is important.
Just five cities — Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City, Murray and Provo — operate with a council-mayor form of government in which the mayor functions like a chief executive. But in most cities, the city manager is the CEO and carries out the council's wishes while the mayor runs the meetings and represents the city in the community.
Council members essentially operate and make decisions as a committee. That means working together, Hall says, even when votes don't go your way.
Time keeps on tickin'
Jesse Garcia, who is seeking a fifth term on the Ogden City Council, said his biggest surprise was the time commitment to being on the council. Ogden holds two public meetings each week. And then there are leadership conferences and various committee meetings at which he represents the city.
JT Martin, who is halfway through his first term on the Salt Lake City Council, said his elected position is basically another full-time job.
"There's not a day that I don't have a meeting," Martin said, acknowledging that the demands on Salt Lake City council members are larger than other cities. "You have to learn to manage your time."
Lisa Watts Baskin, a North Salt Lake councilwoman, said she spends about 20 hours a week on city issues.
Recent comments
I served on my city council for a number of years. It was difficult...
It can be rewarding | June 26, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.
"Want to run for office?"
Not on your life!
Talk about an...
run away fast the other way | June 26, 2009 at 12:54 p.m.
Glad there's some people who willingly run for public office. It's a...
Why Run for Office? | June 26, 2009 at 11:54 a.m.
- College football: Big-5 glance 12:34 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:14 a.m.
- Missions teach players perseverance 12:08 a.m.
- Scout answer to church's prayers 12:08 a.m.
- Project helps Guatemalan kids 12:07 a.m.
- No expiration date on gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Nursery Rhymes' gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Temple Square to use LEDs 12:06 a.m.
- Mormon mom helps hungry children 12:05 a.m.
- The gospel in words: 'Feast' 12:05 a.m.
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Y. focused on 10-win season
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- Thunder rolls by Jazz
- Witness describes '99 killing
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
258 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
227 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
208 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
129 - Boys basketball rankings
109 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
106 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
102
These message boards are for trading insults.....so if you don't want to be...
Did JD Books change his name to Porkins? Easy there fella
RE: BYU accounting grad. Most employers could give a hoot about your...
Best of luck to this young man. I do hope they get him out soon!
This team plays with very little heart at times. They had better step it up...
Bill Clinton was the unknown man on the grassy knoll.
Like in all honesty her starving herself is going to get govt officials in a...
Where do I need to go to sign this petition. It is long overdue.
I understand her desire to spread the word and make a difference, but I...
Reading is fundamental. Selected by ESPN as top player in state and signed...


