If it's not the "keyboard warriors" and public criticism, it's the maze of regulations, policies, procedures, low pay and time commitments that face councillors.
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It can be a thankless task and initial expectations are frequently wiped away as reality materialises. But it can also a rewarding one for those prepared to put in the work.
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Seventeen candidates are vying for Goulburn Mulwaree Council on Saturday, including a Labor ticket of five.
At least three new faces are assured, given the departure of Crs Denzil Sturgiss, Sam Rowland and Alfie Walker. Several strong contenders with proven community involvement have emerged, giving people plenty of choice.
So how to decide? As the community weighs up candidates' credentials, it's important to remember this poll is not about single issues.
Wakefield Park's future in Goulburn and the current court battle have arisen as a flashpoint. For some, the issue is cut and dried and "it's only a few whingers" causing the problem.
This is a fundamental misreading of residents' standpoint. None have wanted to shut down the facility and have suggested compromises that Wakefield has rejected. Should the council have not acted when the facility was breaching its consent conditions? We would not expect this on any other development.
For its part, the raceway needs to be viable and one thing is certain: Goulburn cannot afford to lose its economic injection. Compromise must be reached, either through the court process or the new council.
Could councillors have acted differently given all the circumstances? It's easy to criticise from the gallery.
It's just one of many controversial developments that have tested the council over the past term. Endless hours of debate have been devoted to Jerrara Power and Veolia's waste to energy proposals, the density of new developments and balancing our country lifestyle, sell-off of council assets and infrastructure building.
Councillors have been prepared to spend the time and not simply accept staff direction without question.
Big projects like the Performing Arts Centre, Aquatic Centre, Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade, Wollondilly Riverwalk, housing strategy and road improvements have improved our prospects no end.
We have seen huge amounts of federal and state money flowing into the area, thanks to good government relations and an active grants department. Mayor Bob Kirk and general manager Warwick Bennett have not been backwards in spruiking the area's needs at the highest level.
It has been a mostly united council with basic respect for one another.
That's not to say there isn't room for improvement. Closed briefing sessions have become the norm. While encouraged by the Office of Local Government, at times they detract from dialogue at open meetings and the community is none the wiser on how decisions are reached.
As people go to the polls, we urge voters to take a holistic view and consider who has the credentials, time and energy to devote to this all important role. Our growing region has plenty of challenges ahead.
Do you have something to say about this issue? Send a letter to the editor. Click here for the Goulburn Post
