Filing Week is fast approaching, and with four positions up for re-election at Town of Coupeville, now is a great opportunity to get involved.

Mayor Nancy Conard’s position is up and she’s already announced she will not seek a sixth term.

Council seats held by Molly Hughes, Bob Clay and Jackie Henderson are also up.

Clay has already said he won’t seek a fifth term and Hughes has announced she is running for mayor.

Henderson said last week she will be running again for her position and Coupeville Art School director Lisa Bernhardt said she will run for either Hughes’ or Clay’s seat.

It’d be great to see at least two candidates running for each open position.

After all, isn’t that the point of being in a democracy?

Conard said in the five times she’s run for mayor, only once did she ever have an opponent.

Friendly and healthy competition is a great thing.

Having a challenger pushes candidates to step up and really campaign for their strengths, as well as their opinions and ideas about town government.

It also gives voters a chance to get involved, ask questions and make an informed decision.

Coupeville may be a small town, but serving in an elected position is a big and important job.

Who else champions for residents’ concerns about jet noise, reserve guidelines and ongoing island issues like transportation and tourism?

In addition to the four town seats, there are two seats open with Coupeville School Board, two with the Port of Coupeville, one with Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue and several openings with Central Whidbey water districts.

Filing Week starts Monday, May 11. Candidates can register with the Island County Auditor’s Office.