What Does it Mean to Run for Public Office?
Being a member of the Janesville City Council, the Janesville School Board or the Rock County Board of Supervisors means being a community leader. When you run for public office, you are making the commitment to serve and elevate the community. Running for public office also entails understanding your role as a member of the city council, school board or county board. These are non-partisan, volunteer roles with a scope to:
- Provide oversight of leadership;
- Guide budget development and financial decision making; and
- Steer community development by setting standards for expected outcomes.
Qualities of an Effective Candidate
Many of our Government Relations Council (GRC) members have served on the city council, school board and/or county board. They know what the job demands and what it takes to be a force for positive impact. To prepare candidates for their roles in public service, GRC developed a list of qualities that effective candidates possess. Effective candidates:
- Understand the scope of the role;
- Are willing to learn and engage;
- Are data-driven and future-focused in decision making;
- Are holistic in approach (not one-issue candidates); and are
- Clear communicators.
Local Civic Engagement Organizations
There are a handful of local organizations that are active in local elections and civic engagement activities. They are listed alphabetically below:
Each organization engages in local elections in a different way. Some host candidate forums. Some publish materials and help candidates run for local office. Some endorse candidates. While Forward Janesville does not formally collaborate with these organizations, we link to the helpful tools they have and publicize any public candidate forums they host.
The Janesville Gazette will make their endorsements for local boards and councils in March 2026. Click here to review what they are looking for in candidates.