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We are still a little over four months before the official filing period begins for the 2024 election, but we are seeing a steady stream of individuals announce their intentions to seek office.
We know there are going to be several changes at the state level as, while we are seeing many familiar faces, most have opted to run for a different post. The effects of those decisions are going to have a profound effect on our region, with current state Sen. Ryan Weld previously announcing his campaign for West Virginia Attorney General.
That opens up his Senate seat, and we now have a candidate there. Del. Mark Zatezalo, from Weirton, on Wednesday announced his plans to run for one of the two Senate seats representing our area. The First Senatorial District covers much of the Northern Panhandle to include all of Hancock, Brooke and Ohio counties, and approximately half of Marshall County.
So far, Zatezalo is the only individual to declare for the Senate seat. I don't know if we will see anyone else, but his decision also results in his current House of Delegates seat becoming open. I won't give away any spoilers on that right now, but sources have told me there are at least two Weirton residents with eyes on that office. We could be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.
This also brings to mind next year's Weirton municipal election, and discussions about who may or may not be seeking to represent the city as mayor or the seven members of city council (remember the entire slate is on the ballot).
There will be changes there, with, I'm certain, some different names stepping forward. Some will be familiar names, but, hopefully, we see some new ones as well.
We want individuals who are able to dedicate the time necessary to properly govern, learning about every aspect of their office and the departments, operations, etc. they oversee. Most of our elected offices were designed on paper to be part-time positions, but that is far from the reality. Once elected, you are always on call.
In a time of increasing political extremism, we don't need people who are getting into these offices only to raise their own profiles or grab attention for themselves.
People are elected to public office to serve, to give of themselves for the benefit of others, to work with their fellow elected officials as well as others to make sure the needs of the many are met. It should not be about an ego boost, or to get back at others or consolidate power and wealth (although we all know that happens).
Whether they step up now or wait for January to roll around, we are going to see people express a desire to be elected for one of the offices set to go onto the ballot next year.
The job of each of us, as voters, is to pay attention, learn about each of those signing up and also to look within ourselves. Are these candidates reflecting us and our values or priorities? Do you think they will be effective in best serving your, your family and your neighbors? Will they work with others to make sure the needs of the many are met?
Or, are they only doing this for themselves and their own benefit?
As voters we have made both good and bad decisions. We have flourished and fallen as a result of those choices. It's been said many times in these pages, but an election is one way we, as voters, have a say in the direction we go. I know it's mostly become about what letter is next to a candidate's name, but it shouldn't be.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)