Any mayor, or for that matter any other elected official, facing an empty ballot for a re-election bid can see a lack of opposition as the ultimate compliment.

It means, of course, that the official in question is doing such a stellar job that no one can see a reason for running. Potential opponents don’t want the possible humiliation of a crushing defeat at the hands of a popular incumbent.

In Springfield so far that is the case. There has been one person who has publicly toyed with running – City Councilor Orlando Ramos. Ramos releases the following statement: “Whereas my original plan was to announce my intentions regarding the 2019 municipal election this morning [March 1]; the truth is that I have yet to make a decision. I was leaning towards not running for the office of Mayor, however, recent developments involving the Springfield Police Department, and the current mayor’s inadequate response to these incidents, have compelled me to reconsider. I have also received a number of phone calls and words of encouragement from residents and even current and former members of the mayor’s administration over the past two weeks, which indicates that there are many more people who are looking for a change in leadership than I originally anticipated. I believe that the voters of Springfield deserve to have a strong alternative to Mayor Sarno and I will continue to contemplate and speak to others about whether or not that person should be me. This is not a decision I take lightly. One thing I know for certain is that I love the city of Springfield and I intend to continue to serve in some capacity, whether it be City Council or Mayor.”

Okay, so maybe Ramos will run, maybe not. No one else so far seems willing to do so.

The rule of thumb is for potential officials to wait until the seat is open and the incumbent has decided not to run. That is not happening in Springfield where Domenic Sarno has taken out nomination papers and is poised to become the longest serving mayor in the city’s long history.

In West Springfield William Reichelt is in the middle of his second term, a four-year term, so there won’t be any drama this year.

The position will be on the ballot in November in Agawam, but I’ve yet to hear of an opponent to William Sapelli.

It is happening in Chicopee, though, with the announcement that Richard Kos will return to private life at the end of this year.

The question is who will officially run for the job, and as I write this, so far everyone who has been mentioned as a candidate has been very, very cautious.

Now all of that could change this week, but right now the city does not have any candidates for the job.

While there may be time, any candidate in Chicopee – or other cities with a mayoral election coming up ­– should enter early enough to deal with fundraising opportunities. Elections are not cheap.

There are many other considerations about running for mayor – not the least important is the job, if done correctly, is a crusher. Being a mayor is a 24/7 kind of position. People will call your office and home to voice complaints and concerns. Think those kinds of conversations will be put on hold if you’re at church, or in the market or having a meal? Nope.

Want to have an adult beverage? Want to actually have a social life? Hang out with friends? Do all of that well outside your city limits. You can’t relax and be a human if you’re in the city where you are mayor very easily.

Are you expected to be everywhere in your city? Yes. People generally want their mayor to be at the opening of an envelope as well as taking care of the policy issues that confront cities.

If you’re not visible, not accessible, then you might have a real problem with reelection. Being active on social media is fine, but many constituents want to actually see you.

Being a mayor isn’t something you can do through remote control. It is serious business and a job that is easy to do poorly.

As a reporter and a fan of democracy I always hope for solid, competitive mayoral races. It is good to put an incumbent to the paces to remind him or her what the electorate expects. With an open seat, it is vital to have a field of candidates for which the voters can make a solid choice.

It will be interesting to see what will happen in Chicopee.