Small towns across the country finding it hard to fill ballot on election day

If you're disappointed to find many races in Genesee County with only a single candidate, many voters in rural communities across the country are having the same reaction.

In fact, Genesee County may be among the fortunate to have candidates for all of its seats at all, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

State officials and political scientists say finding candidates has always been a problem for small towns and rural communities, but the recession has made it particularly tough this year.

"It's a very scary time out there, economically. They're under the gun with their own finances, let alone being responsible for their town's financial health," said Marty Newell, chief operating officer for the Center for Rural Strategies, a Kentucky-based advocacy group.

...

Being a local politician, even in tiny towns, is not an easy job. The pay is low, the hours long and the complaints loud.

The most interesting anecdote is about the mayor of one small town who has never actually run for office. From his first election in 1987, he's been a write-in winner.

Dofner, a fire department engineer and diesel engine mechanic, had just gotten home from work when his phone started ringing with congratulatory calls.

"I thought it was a mistake," said Dofner, now 63. "Then, I thought it was a joke."

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The town held an election. No one ran for mayor, so the residents wrote in Dofner's name again. And again. He expects to be reelected by write-in vote today for a 12th term.

He said he'll take the job.

"I can't say no. I can't leave my community in a lurch," Dofner said. "It's just not right. A town needs a mayor."

(via the Rural Blog)