The official filing period does not begin until Monday, but several Beaufort County residents have indicated they will seek office. Some of their challengers will come from neighboring counties.

Perhaps it’s time to remind all candidates — those who win and those who come up short — they are seeking public office. One may call these candidates by another name — politicians. But that work, especially these days, has a certain taint associated with it in many people’s minds. Successful candidates should always keep in mind they are public servants. They’ve been elected to serve the best interests of their constituents, not to serve their interests.

And if the public believes it is not being served by these people, it can use the power of the ballot box to find true public servants.