Editorial: Why not run in local election?

It's hard to keep on top of the run-up to the Nov. 4 election, what with the constant TV ads, robocalling and arguments about the cost of gubernatorial candidates' watches, lawn mowers, transportation, graham crackers and wine.

Meanwhile, the will-she-or-won't-she guessing game about a possible Karen Lewis v. Rahm Emanuel matchup puts the focus on February's election, when the Chicago mayor will be chosen.

But don't let confusion or dismay about those two elections drown out another choice coming before voters - one that's more local and potentially more important to your everyday life in the suburbs.

That's the election for suburban mayors, aldermen or trustees and school board members. The election isn't until April 7, but the time to begin preparing to run for office is now.

Who, me?

If that's what you're thinking, consider the crowds that show up regularly before local authorities whose decisions might deeply affect their quality of life, their kids' education, their property taxes. Residents concerned about a power plant proposal in Oakwood Hills. Parents upset over punishment for Glenbard West High School students caught at a drinking party. People protesting a proposal to extend a runway at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling and Prospect Heights.

Those recent issues, and plenty of others that draw significant interest around the suburbs, ultimately are decided by those we elect. Hot-button issues tend to draw out candidates - after the fact. Meanwhile, many other local races typically are uncontested, and minorities often are poorly represented on local boards and councils.

If you think you could add valuable perspective, know-how or energy to one of your local governing boards, why not run? These races are in most cases nonpartisan and often free of the big money, hardball political tactics that color many state and national elections, raising the appeal for people whose motives are focused on improving their communities.

Along with making a point to attend meetings of the board for which you'd like to run, you'll want to mark your calendar for Tuesday, Sept. 23. That's when prospective candidates on April 7 can start circulating nominating petitions, the first step to getting on the ballot. You can find what you need to know to be a candidate at elections.il.gov or at the Illinois Association of School Boards, iasb.com. Along with municipalities and schools, park districts, libraries, community colleges and some fire districts also have trustee positions up for election April 7.

If you want to have a direct say about how those local governments operate, don't let the other, louder elections that are heating up now get in your way.