In a time when there are too many uncontested races, particularly among our smaller towns and villages, thumbs up to the candidates running for mayor and the Village Board in Mayville.

There are two candidates for mayor — Ken Shearer and Rick Syper — and five candidates for the Village Board: Tim Jacobson, an incumbent; Marty Murphy, Eagle Harrington, Diane Seaton and write-in candidate Bill Ward. Some of the candidates have held office before while some are newcomers to the political process. All, however, are running because they love the village in which they live and want to do what they can to see the village grow in the future.

Village officials find themselves in the position of trying to serve the needs of year-round residents and tourists who pump millions of dollars into the cash registers of the village’s business community. After much community debate, the Lodge at Chautauqua Lake will move forward with construction starting in the spring and a projected 2020 grand opening. There are sewer improvements happening around the Mayville area to help keep nutrients out of Chautauqua Lake, and village officials are sure to have a lot to say about the lake’s health over the next few years.

We’re heartened that so many good people have thrown their hat into the ring to be part of the village government. We won’t pretend to know the candidates better than village residents do, so we simply offer two thumbs up for all those who have chosen to run for office and one post-election plea. Not every candidate will be elected on Nov. 6, but we hope that everyone who has taken the time to campaign for elected office in Mayville this fall remains involved in village affairs. The victors would do well to reach out after the election to find ways for those who weren’t elected to participate in a meaningful way.