Three seats open for April’s election

Factoid:Those interested in becoming a City Council member can pick up petitions starting tomorrow at the City Clerk’s Office in the Carbondale Civic Center.

City Councilman Chris Wissmann said it is the best job he has ever had, and starting Wednesday Carbondale citizens who wish to become more involved in decisions that affect the city can pick up petitions to run for city council.

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Petitions for the positions, which are four-year terms, must be filed in the City Clerk’s office between 8 a.m. December 6 and 5 p.m. December 13.

Council members Maggie Flanagan, Corene McDaniel and Wissmann have terms that expire next year, and the city will hold an election April 5, 2005 to fill the three seats. The primary election will be held February 22, 2005 if seven or more people file for the seats.

Taking responsibility for decisions the city makes instead of leaving it to others is the best thing about being on the council, said Wissmann, who plans on announcing whether or not he will run again in the next two weeks.

“I wanted to be responsible for my home,” Wissmann said.

McDaniel, who described being a council member as a wonderful experience, said she would announce if she would run again early next week. She said being a council member is one of the greatest opportunities a person has. In fact, McDaniel said if someone believes they could do a good job and help out the city, she would encourage them to run.

“I ran because there were some concerns I had, and I thought I could make a difference,” McDaniel said. “And I did.”

Flanagan said she ran for the council because she saw things in Carbondale she wanted to improve. Improving downtown Carbondale was one of her goals, and she said she has enjoyed being part of the progress the city has made.

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“The greatest thing about being on the city council is a sense of involvement,” Flanagan said. “You get a great opportunity to implement things you want to see done in the city of Carbondale.”

Flanagan pointed out that getting involved in city council gives a person a sense of community and a whole new appreciation for how local government works.

“I encourage anyone that has the slightest inkling to give it a try,” Flanagan said.

However, being a council member does take a considerable amount of time and effort, Wissmann said.

“Tons of reading,” Wissmann said. “But it’s essential to read and understand every word on every page because agenda items are literally contracts you’re signing or not signing on behalf of the citizens of Carbondale.”

But he said only those who are absolutely sure about being a council member should run.

“Once on the council, you have made a commitment to the citizens of the city,” Wissmann said. “It’s too important a job on which to dabble, so make sure you’re eager for the race and the job that follows.”

McDaniel, who believes the city council currently in place is a solid team, said one thing she learned from serving these past four years was not every person could be pleased all the time.

“Ultimately, you do what is best for the community,” McDaniel said. “You would like to make everyone happy, but you can’t.”