Have you ever contemplated running for public office?
    Whether you prefer starting slow with a school local committee or going for a larger leadership role such as school board or port commission, opportunities abound to seek a role in local government.

There are numerous positions open on the May 19 Hood River County special election ballot. The deadline to file is March 19.

Hood River County School Board and the ports of Hood River and Cascade Locks are just three of the local boards with positions that are either up for re-election or vacant.

(Hood River News will carry a full list in the March 14 edition.)

The election involves all special districts, including school and fire districts, local committees and port boards.

Other dates of interest with the May election: The final day to register to vote is April 28, and ballots will be mailed May 1.

Perhaps this is the year your name appears somewhere on the ballot. Remember, one of the tenets of democracy is you can vote for yourself.

Splash On

Park party just one way to help

Looking somewhat like a comfortable, though unfinished, quilt, the Hood River Waterfront Park spreads out across six acres of shoreline right in front of downtown.
    The park will get another boost Saturday, the annual “Spring Splash.” The event is an opportunity to enjoy a music-filled night out for a cause worth supporting.

The park opened with much fanfare last June, an immediate community asset, evidenced by the fact that on dedication day the beach was filled with people. Meanwhile, several hundred folks were just upland among the balloons, ice cream, kids’ games and barbecue.

As a community asset, the park relies upon the hard work of the Waterfront Park Association, and citizens who will donate time and money to sustain and improve the park.

Phase two of the park is scheduled for this spring and summer. It includes a lawn and other plantings to improve the green space, a playground, and solar-powered restrooms.

All these details can be viewed at Spring Splash on Saturday. The city Park Development Committee has refined structure designs and ideas for people to review. (Tickets are available at Waucoma Bookstore for the 7-10 p.m. event at The Pines.)

Look down at the waterfront: The park’s green spaces, pathways, rock walls and beach front create an interesting array of lines that are inviting but invite involvement to make it complete.

If you can’t make it to the Splash, watch for ways later this year to get involved in helping finishing the quilt.