Lewiston is a pretty well-run city, notwithstanding the mayor’s new legal troubles.

While there’s certainly dissent on some issues, take a look at the revitalized downtown, the rejuvenated Colisee and the parade of accolades that are coming the city’s way and you get a sense that things work.

But when we look at the list of candidates for city and school office, we’re disappointed because so few people are interested in serving.

Five members of the seven-member City Council are running unopposed. Mayor Lionel Guay, who faces several criminal charges that were revealed Wednesday, has only token opposition from perennial candidate Charles Soule, who’s underwhelming and unqualified for the job. That leaves a difficult choice for voters.

It’s even less competitive in the election for the School Committee. Of the eight seats, there isn’t a single competitive race. It gets worse. In Ward 6, nobody’s on the official list.

Perhaps it’s satisfaction with the way things are going that’s keeping people from seeking office. Our fear, however, is that residents see the job of city councilor or School Committee member as a hassle, not worth the effort required for campaigning.

Sitting on the City Council or School Committee is tough work that often goes without thanks. There’s plenty of criticism and no shortage of people willing to share their opinion – loudly. The problems that these local politicians face are real and demanding. It’s no easy task to balance the books while trying to hold the line on taxes, provide crucial services and educate the city’s children.

For all its trouble, and there’s plenty of it, holding political office is a public service. It affords a platform for spectacular success and the opportunity for very public failure. It takes special people to willingly put their life on display to be judged by friends, neighbors and strangers.

We’d like to see more people interested in serving and willing to take on the rigors of a campaign. A competitive election is a sign of a healthy democracy. Election by forfeit isn’t.