By Pauline Masson –
Voters will be asked to make choices in four races in the April 2026 Municipal Election based on the first week of filing. Mayor Heather Filley, Police Chief James Klingler, Aldermen James Cleeve and Karla Stewart face challenges.
Five incumbents, two former employees, and two first timers filed to have their names on the April 2026 ballot.
As of early filing there will be races in four positions. Three candidates are so far unopposed.
Mayor Heather Filley – – – – -Ward 3 Alderman Debbie Kelley
Mayor Heather Filley, who completes her first term as mayor, filed to retain her seat. She faces a challenge by Ward Three Alderman Debbie Kelley, former city collector, who also filed to ask voters to elect her mayor.
Ward 1 Alderman Karla Stewart, – – – Former Ald., Bldg. Comm. Ed Gass
Ward One incumbent Karla Stewart filed to be on the ballot seeking the one-year expired term created by the resignation of former Ward One alderman Rafael Madrigal’s. Ms. Stewart faces a challenge from long-time city public works director Ed Gass, who was appointed to the seat for the four months leading up to the election.
Michelle Bruns
First time candidate Michelle Bruns, who asked for the temporary post that went to Ed Gass, took her request to the voters. She filed for the remaining two-year term that Ms. Stewart is completing. She is unopposed in early filing.
Ward 2 Alderman James Cleeve – Former Bldg. Comm. Dave Myers
Alderman James Cleeve is seeking a third term for his Ward Two seat. He faces a challenge from former city building commissioner/funeral parlor operator Dave Myers who also wants the job.
Ward Three alderman Scott Lesh is seeking re-election to his seat. As of early filing, he is unopposed.
Police Chief James Klingler – – – – – – – Officer Tracy Huntington
Police Chief James Klingler completes the one-year unexpired term he gained in 2025. He filed for the full four-year term of marshal/police chief. He faces a challenge from Officer Tracy Huntington, who opposed him in the 2025 election but lost 332 to 395. Officer Huntington filed to face voters again.
Diana Simmons, Collector
Diane Simmons appointed collector filed to be elected to that seat.
There is still time for other candidates. Filing for the April 2026 election is open until Dec. 30.
This certainly is a crowded field of candidates seeking to be elected to various positions. I would find it interesting if each candidate would list priorities they would like to see the entire Board of Aldermen adopt for the City. I also would like them to specifically state any votes made by the current Board and naming the Aldermen who cast the vote they believe have harmed the City and why? Also, those seeking offices other than the Board of Aldermen do the same about the opponent they are running against and why?
We could hope, Donald.
So true. It seems like in today’s political climate that’s all that’s left.