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The filing deadline for candidates to be included on municipal election ballots for the November 3 election passed Thursday with mixed interest around the county.
In general, there is a shortage of persons willing to serve on local government and write-ins will be needed to fill various posts.
One town, Menlo, has no candidates. On the ballot is the position of mayor and a pair of four year council seats. Mayor Doug O'Brien is at the end of his two year term. Completing four years on the city council are Mike Culver and Susan Wallace.
Guthrie Center
Guthrie Center's make up is not likely to change as three incumbents are unchallenged. They are mayor Dennis Kunkle and city councilmen Bob Paterson and Dennis Patrick. The mayoral term is two years while council terms are four.
Stuart
The only city with an abundance of candidates and races for mayor and city council is Stuart. Three persons are seeking the four year term for mayor. They are Dick Cook, Kevin Pieper and Peggy S. Schlichter. Three city council positions are on the ballot and incumbents Bryan Belden and Neal Crawford are seeking reelection. Two other candidates for council are Matt Funk and Dorothy Korradi. Also, council member Wade Chafa, who was appointed, is seeking a term to fill a vacancy. It expires in 2011.
Panora
It looks like Panora may have one new elected official. Three persons filed for three city council openings and two are incumbents, Patrick Parker and Mark Vogel. Steve Pote is hoping to replace Curt Thornberry who did not seek another term.
Casey
Forrest Schnobrich, mayor, is a candidate for another two year term. Voters will fill a pair of four year council seats. Marilyn Harden is seeking reelection along with newcomer Robert Williamson.
Casey is the only city with a special measure on the ballot. Voters will be asked if the mayor's term should be changed from two to four years.
Bayard
Incumbent Jack Lloyd is unopposed in his bid for another two year term as Bayard mayor. Only two persons filed for three council openings. They were incumbents Mark Bonney and Dean Hopkins. The other seat has been held by Brian Hoffman.
Bagley
Bagley has no candidate for mayor, a post that's held by Tabor Lincoln. Only two persons filed for three city council positions. They are incumbents Rhonda Crum and Don Molle. Lee Melton, who was appointed to the council, is a candidate to fill a vacant term which ends in 2011.
Jamaica
Three incumbents are seeking reelection to the Jamaica city council, but no one filed for mayor. The council hopefuls are LaDonna Kennedy, Karen Onken and Randy Perkins. Jamaica also has a position on the ballot to fill a vacancy but no one applied.
Yale
Mayor Steve Stanton is seeking another two year term. Yale needs to fill three city council slots, but only incumbent Richard Kipp filed nomination papers. Also open, with no candidate, is a council seat to fill a vacancy created by the death of Joe Rohner.
Registration
Registration by mail for the city elections must be postmarked no later than October 19. Voter registration forms delivered to the auditor's office or done in person must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23. Name and address changes may be done anytime up to and including election day at the auditor's office in the courthouse which is open weekdays from 8:00 to 4:30.
Absentee Voting
Absentee ballots may be cast at the auditor's office through November 2. To obtain a ballot to be mailed, and official absentee request form must now be used. (Absentee ballots can no longer be obtained by just writing a note to the auditor's office). This request must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Forms are available at the auditor's office or online at www.sos.state.ia.us
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©Guthrie Center Times 2010
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