City council seats in Hermiston, Boardman, Irrigon, Echo and Umatilla are up for grabs. Some towns also are taking comers for the mayor's job. The deadline for candidates to file their intentions to run is todayin Irrigon, Echo and Boardman. Candidate petitions will be accepted through Monday in Umatilla and through Tuesday in Hermiston.
Petitions are available at city halls.
It is an exciting and challenging time to be helping shape public policy as the region experiences strong economic growth and prepares for the startup of the Army's chemical weapon incinerator next year. People in these communities deserve to have choices at the ballot box. Candidates who challenge a sitting official or join others seeking a vacant position perform a public service even if they never win elective office. A contested election invigorates public debate. File for office.