By Pauline Masson –
Eighteen candidates have filed to be on the ballot for seven open seats in the April 7 municipal election, leading County Clerk Tim Baker to suggest that a big ballot could trigger big voter turnout.
One candidate, Ward Three incumbent Scott Lesh filed for two seats. On Dec. 9, the first day of filing, Mr. Lesh filed to retain his Ward Three seat. On Dec. 30 the final day he filed for the office of mayor.
Dual filing in non-partisan elections is allowed under State Statue 115.308. Mr. Baker said. Mr. Lesh’s name will appear on the ballot for both positions.
“State statute allows a candidate seeking a non-partisan seat like city alderman to file for two seats in one election. If they win both seats, the candidate gets to choose which seat they want to accept and the other seat remains open. If they lose both seats, there is no change.
Mr, Baker also commented on tthe full ballot.
“It’s exciting for us in the clerk’s office to see so many candidates, because it will attract more voters” he said. “We always want to see a good turnout.”
Mr. Baker also said the number of contested races in Pacific was a first in recent memory.
“I can’t remember the last time all the seats in Pacific were contested,” he said.
Four candidates are running for mayor, four for the Ward Three seat. Three candidates want to be marshal/police chief. Two candidates are seeking the Ward One 2-year seat and two candidates are vying for the Ward One 1-year seat. Only the collectors position is uncontested.
Ward Three Alderman Scott Lesh filed on Dec. 9, the first day of filing, to retain his aldermanic seat. On Dec. 30, the final day, he filed for the office of mayor.
At 8:00 a.m.on Dec. 9, the first day of filing, Ward Three Alderman Debbie Kelley filed for the office of mayor, at 9:30 a.m. incumbent Mayor Heather, who filed to retain her seat. On Dec.30, the final day of filing, Mr Lesh and Stephen Flannery filed for office of mayor making it a four-way race.
Tracy Huntington filed for the post of marshal/police chief at 8OO a.m. on Dec. 9. Two days later Marshal/Police Chief James Klingle filed to retain the seat. Former candidate/ Pacific officer Andrew Whitman filed for the post on Dec. 30.
Two candidates filed for the Ward One two-year seat, Michelle Bruns and Michael Smith. Incumbent Karla Stewart, who filed for the Ward One 1-year seat faces challenges from Ed Gass.
Ward Two alderman James Cleeve is seeking re-election. He faces a challenge by Dave Myers.
Ward three incumbent Scott Lesh faces three challengers for that seat. Jerry Hayden filed on Dec. 29. Ray Gullet and Keith Bruns filed on the Dec. 30.
Two seats are unchallenged
Ed Gass faces no opposition for the Ward One 1-year seat vacated by former alderman Rafael Madrigal.
Appointed collector Diana Simmons, who is asking voters to elect her, is also unopposed,
Just for clarity, here is a list of the seats and candidates.
Mayor
Heather Filley
Debbie Kelley
Scott Lesh
Stephen Flannery III
Collector
Diana Simmons
Marshal/Police Chief
James Klingler
Tracy Huntington
Andrew Whitman
Ward One 1 Year
Karla Stewart
Ed Gass
Ward One 2 year
Michelle Bruns
Michael Smith
Ward Two
James Cleeve
Dave Myers
Ward Three
Scott Lesh
Keith Bruns
Ray Gullet
Jerry Hayden
Hi Pauline-
Your article mentions that Alderman Gass is running against Ms. Stewart and then later says he’s running unopposed. I just don’t want anyone to get confused.
Hope to see a big voter turn out. This should be an interesting election. I urge all to get out and have their voices heard. This is your opportunity to make change if you see a need.
Thanks Tyler, I thought I fixed that. I’ll read it again just to make sure.