When introducing newcomers to Iola we always point out the convenience that, No matter where you need to go, its only 5 minutes away.
Something of a stretch, but not by much.
So its curious that our small berg is divided into four voting wards and as such restricts candidates for city council to live within those confines.
For this upcoming general election on Nov. 5, no candidate has filed from the northeast ward; only one candidate has filed to represent the northwest; two will be vying from the southeast; and four from the southwest, necessitating a primary this coming Tuesday.
If Iola eliminated the ward representation requirement, wed have seven candidates running for four positions, and no need for a primary election.
Voters agreed to eliminate district wards for local school board positions last year. If proposed, a similar ballot measure for Iola council would likely pass. Or perhaps council members could make the decision in-house.
In a town this size, the issues are pretty much universal. Decisions on utility rates, the sales tax, street improvements and the buildings in Riverside Park equally affect us all. No problem is unique to a specific ward. Those from the south or north end of town are not going to have unique perspectives on these issues.
We need the best and brightest to take Iola into the future. Lets not limit our possibilities with artificial boundaries.
Susan Lynn
