Like many, I usually ask them why they chose to run and frequently their answers are similar:

“I wanted to give back to my community.”

“I feel like there are things we need to do better.”

“I think there are people who have concerns that aren’t being addressed.”

“I think I can make a difference.”

After learning about someone’s background, the conversation usually focuses on issues and priorities, which are enlightening as I try to determine how the candidate’s views align with mine as a citizen of our community.

Even more important to me, though, is gauging how the person will handle complicated problems. Things are almost never black-and-white when facing the challenges of government. There are nuances and impacts that often become apparent as things move forward. It’s almost a certainty that, no matter what you do or how hard you try, some of those represented won’t be pleased with the direction you are going.

It’s part of the job, right?

But as I mingle with candidates for various positions, whether I agree with their positions and approaches or not, I always try to take a moment to say thank you.

Because our representative republic is built on a foundation of people like them.

The Weber, Davis, Box Elder and Morgan County elections data lists nearly 250 candidates running for various municipal positions in our coverage area in 2025. While not an election year for many high-profile state and national positions, this is a year that will certainly impact a lot of communities.

As I scanned through the list of names, the majority are people I don’t know. I will only vote for the candidates in my city, so as a citizen those are the ones I will certainly focus on.

But in a professional sense as part of the Standard-Examiner, northern Utah’s daily newspaper, every single candidate in our coverage area is important.

These are the neighbors and co-workers, friends and family members who are willing to stand up and do their best to make their community a better place.

Most know going in that it’s not going to be easy — and those who have been in government would likely emphasize that it’s much more taxing than they thought it would be. I think in these roles they often see the best and the worst in us.

There will be conflict. There will be frustration. There will long days and difficult nights. There will be decisions that don’t turn out as expected. There will be mistakes.

But, hopefully, there will also be successes and achievements. Some problems may be solved, while others will show signs of improvement.

I’ve seen in my own community how the challenges can take a toll on the representatives. Some decide after one term that they need to step back.

There are many, though, who are willing to step forward.

Later in July, ballots for municipal primary elections will be sent out for primaries that will be held in August. The general election is just three months later in November and that is when we will find out who will take office to run our city governments and school districts.

I look forward to the opportunity to get to know many of the candidates during this process and then work with the representatives in their roles in their communities moving forward.

First, however, I hope you will join me in expressing gratitude to all these women and men.

Because win or lose, I believe they should be applauded for getting involved and putting themselves out there. There is no guarantee that the investments they make in time and resources will generate results, but they are doing it anyway.

I’m sure there are many things we disagree on and priorities that we view differently, but that’s OK. That’s how government by the people works.

Regardless, if you are one of the many candidates running for office, let me say thank you for your willingness to get involved.

I hope the experience you have is worth all the costs.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Standard-Examiner and Daily Herald.