And the race is on

We can think of no better endorsement of a public official than that so many people decided they were doing a great job that no one ran against them for office.

That's the case for four Douglas County public officers who will run unopposed this election season.

Sheriff Ron Pierini, Assessor Doug Sonnemann, East Fork Constable Paul Gilbert and District Attorney Mark Jackson are all getting a free ride this election cycle, and merit our congratulations on another term.

But just because others have opponents doesn't necessarily speak ill of them.

It means that there is competition for a position, and that's a good thing. An election campaign is a good way to vet a candidate.

Nothing draws candidates like being appointed to a position, or an empty field, we learned from this filing period.

Clerk-Treasurer Ted Thran was hit the hardest, with two opponents in the Republican primary. It wasn't a surprise to see one of the previous applicants for the job file. If you want it enough to apply when it's an appointment, you should want it enough to run for the job when the eleciton comes. Seeing former Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick file was a surprise.

Another surprise is the number of people who filed for Minden Town Board. At seven it is tied with Indian Hills for the second most people filed for office in Douglas County. First place goes to the Kingsbury Grade General Improvement District where 11 people filed, five on Friday.

Only one Douglas race will go to the primary, everyone else will go to the general election, which means everyone will get to vote in the county commission and school board races, regardless of party.

We wish all the candidates good luck in the race, and we trust the voters to pick the best candidate.