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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

The filing period has been open now for officially one week, and according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website Tuesday afternoon, only incumbents have filed so far for Freeborn County Board of Commissioner seats, and only one incumbent has filed for the open Albert Lea City Council seats.

Yes, being on the City Council or the County Board can be a thankless job, but I have no doubt it is a rewarding one, too, as the people in these positions have the opportunity to make longlasting decisions that will impact the city or the county for the next four years.

On the Freeborn County Board this go-around, the seats up for election are in District 1, 3 and 5.

Thus far, current District 1 Commissioner Brad Edwin has filed for reelection, along with District 5 incumbent Nicole Eckstrom. District 3 Commissioner John Forman has announced he will not seek reelection.

On the City Council, the open seats are in wards 1, 3 and 5, presently held by Councilors Rachel Christensen, Jason Howland and Robert Rasmussen. Christensen so far has filed for reelection.

The filing period is open through June 4.

If city or county government is not your cup of tea, the school board filing period opens July 30 through Aug 13.

If this is too much of a commitment, there are numerous other opportunities available throughout the community on boards with nonprofit organizations and other groups.

I am on the board for one organization, and we’ve struggled to get more board members for months now. I know there are others out there in need of more help, too.

If you’re ever in question of where to go to find out about these opportunities, check with the city, or organizations like the United Way or Salvation Army. If you want to help children, go to the YMCA, and if you want to help seniors, go to Senior Resources, the Senior Center or an area nursing home.

The opportunities to get involved abound.

Find your passion and run with it.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.