And speaking of citizen involvement, Lincoln County residentsconsidering taking a more active role in local politics have justtwo more days to toss their hats into the ring for electedoffice.

So far, almost 60 candidates have expressed their willingness toserve in elected offices ranging from county constable to areastate representative. Anyone else looking to serve as a countyelected official has until Tuesday at 5 p.m. to sign up, whilepotential area legislative candidates have until June 1 due touncertainty over legislative redistricting on the statelevel.

Having strong leadership that is committed to citizens’ well-beingis vital to the success of an area. Education, economicdevelopment, public safety, infrastructure improvements and anynumber of other considerations are all part of the effectiveleadership equation.

Beginning with party primaries in August, voters will begin makingtheir decisions on their local leaders for the next four years. Thefinal decisions will be made in the general election on Nov.8.

The first step in the process, however, is for those willing toserve to step forward.

Lincoln County has a good field of candidates so far. Anyonelooking to add his or her name to the candidate list needs to actquickly.