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Editorial: Spring months favor the sharing of new ideas
Communities on the rebound keep the momentum going because they bring in people with new and bright ideas. Soon, the times will favor those people with new and bright ideas to showcase their talent in annual spring elections across Wisconsin.

Contrary to appearances, participation is the most important factor of local elections. To participate is to win because it means the sharing of ideas will happen. And those are the ideas upon which communities depend to continue their growth.

For one, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors will have all 38 seats open. In the most recent election, people with new ideas overcame seats occupied by old ideas every time.

Another avenue looking for new ideas that covers a wide area is the Oshkosh school board. This progressive board (see previous editorial on charter schools) will have three seats of seven open. The Oshkosh Common Council will also have three seats of seven open.

People who share ideas get traction for the issues and projects they support. For example, some candidates for Common Council in the last election cultivated newfound respect for the Winnebago Peace and Justice Center.

The most important point now is that people with bright ideas shouldn't let time get away from them. Candidates have until Jan. 3 to file nomination papers at their city, county clerk or school board offices, respectively. The spring primary date will be Feb. 21 with the spring election day of April 4.

The value of participation in our local elections cannot be emphasized enough. Here are the important forums for our communities to find out what currents of thought will lead them into 2006 and beyond.