Municipal elections will be held next Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the towns of Central, Walhalla, Westminster and Salem, with a mixture of tightly fought and uncontested races on the ballots.

In Central, where issues of growth versus protecting the community’s small-town heritage dominate, Mayor Mac Martin is running for re-election against two-term town councilman David Donald. In addition, seven candidates are seeking three seats on town council. They are: Paige Bowers, Benjie Cumbie, Ken Dill, Joe N. Moss, John Wallace Palmer, Jr., Jerry Turner and Tracey Reynolds.

The northern Oconee County town of Salem has four candidates seeking two seats on the town council. Richie Caudill, Myrtle W. Coward, Tony Grogan and Tony L. Moore are on the ballot to help steer Salem into the next decade. Salem faces its own growth and revenue issues, as well as concerns about police protection.

Walhalla Mayor Randy Chastain is running for re-election unopposed, but eight candidates have lined up for the six seats on city council. William B. Addis, Broadus Albertson, Tommy Crumpton, Kenny Johns, Charles Buddy Land, Davy Lee, Duane E. Wilson and Ron Winchester are all asking for the chance to serve. The winners will face questions regarding infrastructure needs over the next four years, as well as other issues.

In Westminster, there is an election with no competition – unless a write-in campaign surfaces over the weekend. Major Derek Hodgin and councilman Rusty Cater, Reid Adams and Bobby Williams are all running for re-election unopposed. Westminster has had some economic development success, but continues to seek growth in its downtown.

Without casting stones at those candidates running for re-election without competition, it bothers us that so many races are uncontested. For our cities and towns to advance, there must be a healthy discussion of ideas and vision for the future.

The Journal congratulates those who will be voted upon Tuesday for offering themselves for public service. Our democracy thrives on it. We urge residents in Central, Salem, Walhalla and Westminster to do their part, too. Get out and vote.