Residents who want to run for local office in November have a window opening up to be on the ballot.
The first day to file is July 5 (technically it's July 4) and filings close July 18.
Candidates for county, Park Rapids and Laporte school boards and the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors need to file in July.
City election filing dates are in August. Nevis and Menahga School Board elections are held in the off-year (in 2007).
In Hubbard County, those whose terms are expiring are sheriff, attorney, coroner and commissioners from Districts 1, 3 and 5.
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Incumbents are sheriff Gary Mills, county attorney Greg Larson, coroner Dr. Paul T. Grimes and commissioners Swede Nelson, Floyd Frank and Cal Johannsen.
Public defender Don Dearstyne has already announced his intentions to run against Larson, who said he does plan to seek re-election.
If more than two residents file for one of these offices, the candidates will be narrowed to two in the statewide primary Sept. 12.
Three terms are expiring on the Park Rapids School Board. They are those currently held by Dennis Dodge, Helen Dickson and Dianna Dotson.
At Laporte, voters will fill a vacancy created on the death of Steve Kampfer and two other school board members whose terms are ending. They are now held by Paula Hoffman and Bryan Edwards.
All are four-year terms.
Candidates for county offices file with the county auditor. Candidates for school board may file at school district offices. In Park Rapids, this would be at the district administrative office located at the south end of the Frank White Education Center.
SWCD positions
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Minnesota citizens interested in influencing natural resources issues at the local level are encouraged to run for supervisor of their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
SWCD supervisor positions also are filled through general elections on Nov. 7.
Interested citizens should file a Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy (available from the county auditor), along with a $20 filing fee. All candidates for state and local offices must state on the Affidavit of Candidacy that they are eligible voters, will be at least 21 years of age when assuming office, and will have been residents of their nominating district for at least 30 days before the general election.
SWCD supervisor candidates must live in and file from a nominating district. Candidates are elected at large on the ballot.
SWCDs are local units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level. Minnesota's 91 SWCDs cover the entire state and generally follow county lines.
SWCD supervisors have four main responsibilities during their four-year terms. They set overall policy and long-term objectives for their district; develop their district's annual and comprehensive plans; approve landowner cost-share contracts; and work with SWCD staff to see that policies and plans are implemented.
They are not paid a salary; however, they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Persons interested in finding out what nominating district they live in and which supervisor positions are open for election should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District office. In Hubbard County, the number to call is 732-0121.
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More information on the filing process can be obtained at the Minnesota Secretary of State Web site, www.sos.state.mn.us .
