The filing period for the Williston Town Council and Barnwell City Council is still open. Filing for these two municipal elections opened June 15 and will close June 26.

All the incumbents The People-Sentinel reached stated they planned to run for another term of office or were filing to do so.

So far, no opponents have arisen to challenge the seats coming open on the two municipal councils.

In Williston, three seats are up for election as well as the mayor's office. On the Barnwell City Council, three seats are up for decision.

For these towns, the elections are both Sept. 8.

Since filing closes June 26, there is still time from today that others might decide to run.

We hope so - not that there's been any general undercurrent of discontent voiced about the incumbents.

However, opposition would be good for several reasons.

One, it gives the people choices, a different selection of possible candidates for office.

For the incumbents, it provides competition, which can make them sharpen up their own game. Competition is a good cure for the slow malady of complacency.

Different people often mean different ideas and solutions. Solutions are kind of like compost - you have to turn over a lot of soil or ideas before getting to the good fertile earth to raise a plant or a plan.

Whether incumbent or challenger, voters should look at each one and ask themselves the same questions:

• Does this person truly believe in the community?

• Is this person willing to make tough choices and stand by them?

• Is this person open to the community and the press with information about how the elective public body they serve on is serving?

• Is this person willing to put in the time to serve adequately in the public office they seek?

• Would the person be willing to serve for free or have the expenses of their public service published?

These are things that public servants, challengers and voters should consider as they head to the voting booth.