Muni News
VOLUME 91, ISSUE 2  - June 2001

Empower Yourself!
By Brian Thomas, Trustee
Former 5th District Legislator

I wish I had a dollar for each time someone bemoaned his or her lack of influence in the political process. The media growls about unresponsive legislators and the governor’s lack of leadership. Sometimes local officials seem remote and inattentive. Occasional political misdeeds grab headlines. It’s little wonder some voters feel disenfranchised and powerless.

Good government takes some commitment and effort. If ignored government at all levels will become ingrown and stale. You can make a difference - a big difference.

Each election year the Municipal League of King County seeks citizens just like you to evaluate candidates for public office. This is an election year for city and county council members, mayors, school districts and a host of other local offices.

You have no doubt seen or heard about the Municipal League’s candidate ratings. Committed citizens have been evaluating candidates for over 90 years. While the League does not endorse anyone, its candidate evaluation committees research and interview the candidates to assess each one’s knowledge, involvement, effectiveness and character, and assign individual ratings from “outstanding” to “not qualified”. These highly respected ratings are widely publicized; voters rely on them - along with other information they receive - to determine how they will vote.

You can be integral part of this process. Candidate evaluation committees are forming in your area now. The committees depend on broad-based participation from community members to provide this service. If you are interested in becoming part of this important effort call the League office, 206-622-8333 or view www.munileague.org for more information.