All Eugene Westerhouse wanted was for someone to run for his job. Instead, the Eudora Township trustee is facing another term.
Even though write-in votes will not be counted until the county certifies election results during canvassing, Westerhouse expected to receive several write-in votes.
One reason for the lack of interest in township positions is the lack of pay that accompanies them, Westerhouse said last week. "It's a volunteer job -- it's time-consuming," said Westerhouse, who is retired.
As trustee, Westerhouse mainly oversees financial transactions for the township and its roads.
"It's a thankless job at times," said Glen Grosdidier, township treasurer. Grosdidier was the only candidate running for that position. "But other times there's the satisfaction of doing a service for the people living in the township."
It's not unusual for small townships to lack candidates, said Douglas County Clerk Patty Jaimes. But it's been at least 15 years since there was no name on the ballot for Eudora Township, she said.
Westerhouse said the county could step in if no one volunteered for the position. But he didn't like that idea and said it wasn't likely.
"I don't want the county to take it over and have it a county-maintained township," he said.
Even last week, Westerhouse was resigned to four more years. "I thought at my age I'd get out and let someone else do it," he said, "but there are no takers."
Unofficial election results
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