Anyone who wants to benefit his or her community through a low-paying, thankless job should start thinking about running for a local political office.

Oak Harbor City Councilman Scott Dudley kicked off the 2011 campaign season last week by challenging first-term incumbent Mayor Jim Slowik. Dudley has the bitter one-way street opponents on his side on Pioneer Way, but Slowik has his supporters also, particularly those who are glad to finally see  things getting done after decades of nothing but talk.

Slowik has a completed a number of projects that previously were just on the drawing board. Dudley has usually personified the loyal opposition, which is itself an important position to play. Otherwise you have a “me too” council in which little public debate takes place.

Other vulnerable city council members in 2011 are Beth Munns, Jim Palmer and Rick Almberg. All could be challenged  if an impromptu political group rallies around Dudley and recruits other candidates; without organized opposition they’re almost certain to be elected again if they choose to run.

In Coupeville, Mayor Nancy Conard’s popularity will be tested as will that of council members Ann Dannhauer, Bob Clay and Holly Hughes. Dannhauer’s sometimes off-beat decisions, based purely on environmental considerations, is most likely to draw a competitor. But someone could also give Conard a run for her money. In Washington, voters like to topple institutions from time to time.

Both school districts are facing in financial difficulties thanks cuts in state and federal spending, so if you have budget or education expertise there is no better time than this year to make  a run for it. In Oak Harbor, school district positions held by Peter Hunt, David Sherman and David McCool are open for election. In Coupeville, the names of Don Sherman and Carol Bishop will be on the ballot.

The primary will be Aug. 16 and the filing week ends June 10, so there’s not a lot of time to decide. There are also fire district, water district and hospital district openings in various communities.

Anyone who runs for office is serving their community simply by giving people a choice and another way of looking at things. This  year, give it some serious thought. If you have questions, check with the Island County Auditor’s Office.