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Purest form of public service up for grabs in 2017

This election year does not carry the glitter of a presidential election year.

But if you subscribe to the notion that political representation at the local level is the purest form of government involvement, this year may be more important than last year at the ballot box.

In Lycoming County, there is a judgeship available to fill the expiring term of retiring Judge Dudley Anderson.

Three magisterial judge positions in the county are available.

Judges and magistrates make decisions in their courtrooms every day that have an indelible impact on the individuals involved and play a large role in the status of our local prison system, rehabilitation systems and employment entities.

The county sheriff’s term also expires this year.

Outside the courts, there are three Williamsport City Council positions available and at least one position is open in each of the county’s eight school districts.

There are positions open for borough councils and mayors and township supervisor throughout the county.

School boards, city and borough councils and township supervisor boards are places where decisions are made that have a direct impact on arguably every household in this county.

So dedicated representation on these entities is important to maintaining a quality lifestyle in Lycoming County and giving all residents a valid voice in local policies.

Our greatest fear is that the March 7 deadline for petitions will come without candidates seeking all the open offices. Petitions are being circulated now.

Our fervent hope is that there are enough quality people circulating those petitions and that they get the signatures they need to seek positions that represent perhaps the purest form of public service our democracy allows.

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