A dozen seats are up for re-election this November, including positions on the Federal Way City Council, Federal Way Public Schools board, South King Fire and Rescue board, Lakehaven Utility board and in the 30th Legislative District.

But only 23 candidates filed to run for those seats during filing week, which ended on May 15. And four of those candidates are a shoo-in as they are running unopposed.

We applaud those candidates who stepped up to try and take on an elected position.

However, the lack of candidates for so many positions is indicative that Federal Way needs more citizen involvement.

So what’s stopping you?

For starters, there are several perks for elected officials. In addition to the satisfaction of serving the Federal Way community, most elected positions come with some sort of a stipend or salary.

Federal Way City Council members, for example, make a monthly salary of $1,150, or $13,800 a year. They also receive a $475 monthly health reimbursement.

The mayor’s monthly salary is $9,400, or $112,800 per year, in addition to other benefits.

Federal Way Public Schools board of directors are compensated $50 per day for district matters, with maximum compensation of $4,800 per year.

While most of these salaries are minimal, the amounts could certainly help make it worthwhile for those late night readings of council and board packets.

But if you need a heftier salary to entice you, state legislators make $45,474 per year (effective Sept. 1).

Time and other commitments also vary depending on which entity you are running for.

Here is a look at what the minimum requirements and duties are for the various local positions:

• Federal Way City Council: The council consists of seven members who are directly elected by the citizens for four-year terms. The council establishes law and policy by passing ordinances and resolutions.

You must live in Federal Way and you must be able to attend regular meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at City Hall.

But council members are also required to attend special meetings and annual council retreats.

If you want the opportunity to help develop and implement key priorities for Federal Way’s future, this may be the position for you.

• School board: The Federal Way board of education consists of five members elected to four-year terms.

The residency requirement for this board is a bit trickier than the rest. Each board member resides in a specific director district. They are elected by voters of the entire school district.

Find out what director district you live in by visiting www.fwps.org/highlights/board-education/boundaries/

Regular board meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall.

The board establishes the district goals, policies and budget for the district, which serves over 21,000 students.

• South King Fire and Rescue: South King Fire and Rescue board of fire commissioners is comprised of five elected fire commissioners. Each fire commissioner is elected for six years.

According to the district’s website, the board of commissioners generally meet once per month.

The fire district covers nearly 41 square miles and protects nearly 150,000 citizens. The district is made up of what used to be five former fire districts.

• Lakehaven Utility District: Lakehaven is a special purpose district that has five commissioners who are elected, at large, to serve staggered six year terms. Elections are held with the general election in odd numbered years.

The board is granted authority under the law specifically tailored to the overall operation of the water and sewer utilities, including the power to set rates, build infrastructure, enter into contracts and acquire land for public purposes through condemnation proceedings.

Regular board of commissioners meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

• 30th Legislative District: The Legislature begins each legislative session annually on the second Monday in January. In odd-numbered years, such as when representatives debate the state budget, the Legislature meets for 105 days, and in even-numbered years, it meets for 60 days. The governor, if necessary, may call legislators in for a special session for a 30-day period at any time during the year.

The Legislature meets at the Legislative Building in Olympia.

We encourage anyone interested in running for an elected position to ask fellow board or council members what they get out of leading the community. Each position comes with certain responsibilities, but they all come with the ability to make positive changes in our community.

So what’s stopping you?