The Snoqualmie Valley Record is looking for volunteers to form an editorial board that enhances the community’s understanding of local issues.

We invite Valley residents from all walks of life to apply. You don’t need to be a great writer, you don’t need to be a political junkie, and you don’t need a job that puts you in the public eye. The most important qualification is that you care deeply about making the Valley a better place to live, work and play.

Ideally, the board would include five community members who meet monthly with the Valley Record’s staff to discuss the most important issues in Snoqualmie, North Bend, Fall City and Carnation. The goal of each meeting is to generate editorial topics with a range of local perspectives that enrich the public’s understanding of a particular issue.

One example in which an editorial board would have been an asset involves the recent Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Levy, which failed in the April 25 special election. Regardless of whether you supported the tax proposal, the Valley Record missed an opportunity to deliver more nuanced views on the ballot measure’s pros and cons. Same goes for other hot topics in the Valley such as affordable housing or the Si View Pool Project.

Although the editorial board will have opportunities to hold public officials accountable, it’s worth noting that the board will not be endorsing political candidates. We can certainly discuss national news, but only through the lens of how that news affects everyday life in the Valley. The mission is “local, local, local” while acting as an agent for positive change. And if you can help the Valley Record succeed with this mission, then everyone wins.

If you’re up for the challenge, send an email to editor@valleyrecord.com with your name, city of residence, contact info and a sentence or two about why you’re interested. Thank you for reading!

Andy Hobbs is editor of the Snoqualmie Valley Record. Contact ahobbs@soundpublishing.com.