About a year ago, the Austin Daily Herald ran an editorial reminding people that if they went to more city council meetings they might have more of an impact on what happens to and for the city.

Monday, September 20, 1999

About a year ago, the Austin Daily Herald ran an editorial reminding people that if they went to more city council meetings they might have more of an impact on what happens to and for the city. Also about a year ago, give or take two months, a third-party governor was elected.

Last month, 17 people found that they had something to offer to the Austin Public School Board, choosing to file for election on Nov. 2. This month, no less than 10 people turned in applications to Mayor Bonnie Rietz to fill the spot left vacant on the Austin Utilities Board by Richard Baudler’s death.

It continues to be heartening to see Austin residents step forward to offer their services to the community, to act as leaders and listeners on behalf of their neighbors. In a day when many people find they don’t have time enough to fit in an extra hour of exercise, Austin continues to bulge with volunteers, with people who can make all their children’s parent-teacher conferences, and with people who want to be of service to the community in leadership roles.

Not every town in Minnesota can boast that. In last November’s elections, some of the smaller towns had one applicant for open positions. Here in Austin, there is competition to see who can do the most for their community.