Waseca citizens interested in influencing natural resources issues at the local level are encouraged to run for supervisor of their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

SWCD supervisor positions are filled through general elections on November 4.  Individuals who wish to be on the ballot in 2008 must file for the election between July 1 and July 15.

Interested citizens should file a Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy (available from the county auditor), along with a $20 filing fee.  All candidates for state and local offices must state on the Affidavit of Candidacy that:

• they are eligible voters;

• will be at least 21 years of age when assuming office; and

• will have been residents of their nominating district for at least 30 days before the general election.

Supervisor candidates must live in and file from a nominating district.

Candidates must also file a Statement of Economic Interest with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.  Candidates are elected at-large on the ballot.

SWCDs are local units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level.  Minnesota’s 91 SWCDs cover the entire state and generally follow county lines. 

Districts work with landowners in both rural and urban settings to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.  Districts fill the crucial niche of providing soil and water conservation services to owners of private lands. Privately owned lands make up 78 percent of the land surface in Minnesota. Managing these private lands, whether agriculture, forest, lakes, or urban, is key to Minnesota's quality of life.

SWCDs set overall policy and long-term objectives for their district and work with SWCD staff to see that policies and plans are implemented.  They are not paid a salary; however, they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.

More information on the filing process can be obtained at the Minnesota Secretary of State web site.

 Additional SWCD election resources have been prepared by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) and are posted on this web site at the right under the heading "2008 Election Info."

Districts in Waseca County that are open for nomination are 1,4, and 5. Click the link to the district map to see what townships these districts include.