It has been a while since readers have had the choice of subjecting themselves to reading a column from me.

Maybe because of that, I have a number of issues I’d like to address, this week.

Tuesday, registered voters who hadn’t voted early or by mail had the option to cast their ballots in what were totally municipal elections.

Usually, elections for mayor and/or city council don’t generate as much interest as the chance to vote for president of the United States.

As I’ve said before, that’s really too bad. After all, there’s not much chance the vast majority of us will ever get a chance to call or sit down with the nation’s chief executive.

And although federal issues dominate so much of the news, it ends up mostly being about what happens in our communities that really impacts us. Is my street going to be plowed in time for me to get to work or school? Is that street light ever going to be fixed? Is the ambulance service fast and competent?

And while income tax rates are talked about constantly, these days, a lot of the “bite” can come from very local taxes: for the school district, city, county, and special service districts, such as for sewer or mosquito abatement.

That said, less than one in five registered voters took part in Tuesday’s elections, although the percentage of voters varied by city.

Kaysville had what could be mildly called a heated race, as the three incumbents were challenged by a trio of people who wanted to bring change to their community.

No matter what you may think of what those people in Kaysville were proposing (some change of government, other things), I admire them for their willingness to put their efforts behind their beliefs.

There was plenty of debate and chances for people to hear and then personally weigh the issues – and in the end, vote their feelings at the ballot box.

On another front, Thanksgiving will be upon us, two weeks from now. With the economy all across the country continuing to struggle, several Davis County families won’t have a lot to be grateful for this upcoming holiday.

At least, not without a little help. I’ve asked before and will again: if you can lend a hand in any way to those in need, please find it in your heart to do so.

That can be volunteering at the Bountiful Community Food Pantry or Family Connection Food Bank in Layton, or at some other worthy nonprofit that helps those in need.

It can be as simple as adding some additional money onto your grocery bill at Harmons, or elsewhere, with the extra going to help those in need. Maybe you can donate a turkey or two, or the equivalent funds, or cans of food that could help create a Thanksgiving meal for a family who has fallen upon hard times. After all, isn’t one of the joys in life that of being able to help our neighbors – even those we don’t know? Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to just enjoy the season with those neighbors, along with our friends and family. As one more sign of the season, the Davis Clipper’s Electric Light Parades are right on the horizon. Kaysville’s will be Monday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. It will roll from South Main, just below the Davis Applied Technology College, to 1st North, ending at the city block. The Fruit Heights-Kaysville Civic Committee does virtually all of the work to make it possible. There is a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit with Santa after.

Bountiful’s parade will be Friday, Dec. 2, also starting at 6 p.m. It will run from 400 South Main to 400 North, then head west two blocks, terminating at the South Davis Recreation Center.

Santa will be on hand, there, as well, to lead off festivities.

These parades have evolved into important parts of celebrating Christmas and the Holidays for the area, and serve as another way for the community to come together. The Clipper is happy to be able to provide a way to help families to do that.

Both parades are also still looking for entrants, from floats to classic cars and music groups. An article (on A16) and ad in today’s paper give further details. Church and community groups of all kinds are welcome to come take part in a county tradition.

It’s a busy, some would say stressful, time of the year. But it’s also a wonderful time to get together with family and friends, to remember those less fortunate, and celebrate the many things we can be thankful for.