To The Editor:
Since I joined the Lincoln City Council in January 2015, I have made it a point to talk to as many people as possible about what they think needs to be done to improve the city of Lincoln.
When I am talking to people, one subject that keeps coming up is how messed up the City and/or City Council are. My usual question is to ask why they don't run for a position on the council and help change things? The two answers I get most often are "they don't want me on the council" and "they won't let me run." A little more discussion and "they" turns out to be the mayor and/or other members of the council.
I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but as long as you are legally qualified, NO ONE can stop you from running for an elected position. The only person who can really stop you from running for a council position is YOU.
It is not that hard to run for a position on the city council. You have to be a U.S. citizen, registered to vote, live in the ward in which you are running and be 18 years of age.
You have to get 30 people who are registered to vote and live in the city limits of Lincoln to sign a petition for you to run. Fill out some other paper work and turn it in between July 29, 2016, and noon Aug. 19, 2016, to the County Clerk at the county courthouse.
There is no filing fee for a position on the City Council. The only cost is a commitment to attend the council meeting once a month, pay attention to what is going on and not be afraid to vote in a manner that you think is best for the City of Lincoln.
If you are really concerned about how the city is run, quit talking and do something about it.
Johnny Stowers
Alderman Ward 4, Position 2
Lincoln City Council
Editorial on 07/13/2016