Opportunity to Serve: Join Lakeview’s Town Council

Lakeview is an exceptional community, and we are seeking dedicated individuals to step up and serve on our Town Council. Our Town Council comprises a mayor and four councilors elected at large, each playing a vital role in shaping our community’s future.

Role of the Mayor: The mayor presides over Council meetings, maintains order, and ensures that meetings adhere to Council rules. As a voting member, the mayor does not have veto power but serves as the political head of the Town government. Responsibilities include facilitating meetings, overseeing the creation and management of Town offices, boards, and committees, and appointing members to various Town committees and commissions. Additionally, the mayor works closely with the Council to appoint liaisons and ensure effective communication between the Council and Town departments.

Council Structure: Each year, the Council elects a president from its members. The president assumes the mayor’s duties in their absence and acts as mayor when the mayor is unable to fulfill their responsibilities.

Current Opportunities: This election year presents a significant opportunity to contribute to our community. We are seeking candidates for the following positions:

• Mayor (elected position)
• Three Council Member Positions (one by appointment and two by election)

Serving on the Town Council is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a meaningful impact on our community. We encourage all interested residents to consider applying or running for these positions. Your involvement is crucial to the continued growth and well-being of Lakeview.

See the Town’s Charter for additional information.

Serving as a member of a town council or as a mayor in a small rural community can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Qualifications:

1.      The mayor and each councilor must be a qualified elector under state law and reside within the Town for at least one year immediately before election or appointment to office.

2.      No person may be a candidate at a single election for more than one Town office,

3.      Neither the mayor nor a councilor may be otherwise employed by the Town.

4.      The Council is the final judge of the qualifications of its members.

2. Meeting Attendance: Regular town council meetings are a fundamental part of the role. The Council meets twice a month and shall meet at least once a month at a time and place designated by its rules and may meet at other times in accordance with the rules. Most meetings take place at 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Typically, these meetings run around 2 hours long. Although there may be additional meetings during the month depending upon projects and events that are occurring. Preparation for these meetings can also be time-consuming, involving the review of agendas, minutes from previous meetings, and various reports.
Community Engagement: Being a town council member or mayor involves a lot of interaction with the community. This includes attending local events, addressing concerns from residents, and being accessible for discussions about local issues. You might also need to attend meetings with other local organizations or agencies.

3. Administrative Duties: There are administrative responsibilities, such as managing budgets, overseeing town projects, and handling correspondence. These tasks often require meticulous attention to detail and can take up a significant amount of time.

4. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: You’ll be responsible for addressing and resolving various community issues, which can range from infrastructure problems to social concerns. This often involves research, consultations with experts, and time spent devising and implementing solutions.

5. Commitment Outside Regular Hours: Council work often extends beyond regular business hours. You might find yourself handling urgent issues, participating in evening or weekend events, and being on-call for emergencies.

6. Training and Development: Keeping up with best practices, new regulations, and evolving community needs may require ongoing education and training. This could involve attending workshops, conferences, or courses related to local government and public administration.
Personal Sacrifice: The role can affect your personal life, requiring time away from family and personal activities. It’s important to have a support system in place and to manage your time effectively to balance your personal and professional responsibilities.

7. Community Impact: Despite the challenges, the role can be deeply fulfilling as you have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community. Seeing the positive impact of your work can be a significant motivator.

Overall, while the time and commitment required can be demanding, many find that the personal and professional rewards make the effort worthwhile.

The last day to file for the November 5, 2024, general election is August 27, 2024. You can download an application here: Candidate Filing Application or pick one up at Town Hall.

To apply or for more information about these positions, please contact the Town Hall. Your dedication and leadership can help shape a brighter future for our Town.