As expected, a large number of local non-partisan candidates that will appear on the November General Election ballot waited until the final day of filing–Tuesday, June 4, to toss their hats in the ring.
A total of eight candidates filed for some type of race in the Clinton County Clerk’s office last Tuesday, bringing the total number to 18 candidates. However, due to candidates already serving on the Soil Conservation District Board of Directors, those names will not appear on the Fall election ballot.
The ballot is almost 100 percent complete for November, but due to no one filing at all for School Board member of the Second District, comprised of Neathery-Cave Springs and Seventy-Six precincts, a winner will have to be chosen either by a “write-in” campaign, or later appointed by the Board of Education.
The eight candidates who filed last week include five for Albany City Council, including Donnie Flowers, James Eric Smith, and Harvey Tucker, who are not currently on the council. Two incumbents filed for re-election, including Randy Speck and Reed Sloan.
Only one additional candidate filed for School Board, that being Leslie Stockton, incumbent board member in District 3, which is comprised of the Highway, Speck, and Illwill precincts. She is unopposed in that race.
Two additional candidates filed for a seat on the Soil Conservation District Board, including Greg Abston and Michial Conner. Since all four are seated members for the four spots, their names will not be required to be on the ballot.
The candidate breakdown includes two candidates for Mayor of Albany; nine candidates for Albany City Council (six will be elected), with five being incumbents; no candidate in District 2 for school board; one candidate for District 3 school board; two candidates for District 4 school board; and four candidates for Soil Conservation District Board.
Of note, the current 2nd District School Board member is Ronald Albertson, who is serving in his initial term but did not seek re-election. Appointed city council member Leland Hicks also opted not to seek election.
According to Clinton County Clerk Nathan Collins, concerning the vacant filing for 2nd District School Board member, he said anyone could run for the office if they declare as a “write-in” candidate.
If no one files for the seat, apparently a replacement for the vacancy would be made by the school district and apparently anyone seeking the seat would have to go through an application process.
The following is a full listing of non-partisan candidates who will appear on the November General Election ballot–(*) refers to incumbents:
* Mayor of Albany: James Bray* and Lyle Pierce (former mayor).
* Albany City Council: (top six receiving votes to be seated): Jr. Gregory*, Renee York*, Tim Norris*, Randy Speck*, Reed Sloan*, Samuel Rains, Donnie Flowers, James Eric Smith, Harvey Tucker.
* School Board District 2: No candidate.
* School Board District 3: Leslie Stockton*.
* School Board District 4 (West, North and East Albany Precincts): Vik Soma, Gary Norris*.
* Soil Conservation District Board: Kathy Conner*, Roger Beard*, Greg Abston*, Michial Conner* (Names will not be on general election ballot).
Voter registration books are now open for the November election. Persons not registered to vote, or who have questions about their voting status, may contact the County Clerk’s Office at 606-387-5943 during normal business hours.