08/31/2007

Editorial

Political newcomers bring variety to the ballot box

It may not always be pretty, but representative democracy seems to be thriving in the Grand Traverse area.

More and more candidates representing various political persuasions and backgrounds are coming forward. And more and more, elected officials are being held accountable at the ballot box for what they do — or don't do — in office.

In Acme Township, where Supervisor Bill Kurtz recently resigned under the pressure of multiple developer lawsuits, a failed recall and intensely personal politics, 11 people have lined up to take his pressure-cooker job.

Seven people are vying for just two seats on the Traverse City Area Public Schools board of education.

In Traverse City, five candidates are running for three city commission seats; two of the candidates are incumbents, which means at least one newcomer will be elected. Mayor Linda Smyka is facing a challenge from Michael Estes.

While Republicans still dominate partisan elections, the variety of voices within the party is growing. Democrats, long an afterthought in the north, are putting up more and better-qualified candidates.

In all, the rise in participation is making for better — or at least more open — government. That's a very good thing for a region long dominated by one party and the good ole boys.

Recent events have played a part in bringing out candidates.

Two of the seven school board hopefuls are parents of students at Bertha Vos elementary, which the school board has voted to close. In Acme, the battle over proposals to build a big-box development and a Meijer store has divided the community, and candidates from both sides are seeking the supervisor's job. In Traverse City, at least two challengers — Estes and Jim Carruthers, a commission candidate — have been vocal opponents of a proposed West Front parking deck project.

Most important, however, is that in the two elections at least, the outcome of November balloting could mark shifts in the balance of power.

Three school board members — Alice McNally, Suzann Brooke and Fred Tank — have in the past broken ranks with the board majority; and two board stalwarts — Richard Crampton and Joel Casler — are not seeking re-election.

In Traverse City, three members of the ruling coalition — Smyka and commissioners Scott Hardy and Ralph Soffredine — are up for re-election; and at least one newcomer will be chosen to replace Matthew Schmidt, who didn't seek re-election.

Political change, or at least greater political choice, seems to be coming, and that's a good thing. The next step must be a surge in voter turnout, the sure sign of an engaged electorate.