Local filing ends with no contested races

By Melinda L. Lucas

None of the six local entities located within the county will need to hold elections on May 6, although there was one race that was contested until a candidate withdrew on Tuesday.

The filing period for each of the local races ended Friday, Feb. 17, with the Fort Griffin SUD board drawing more candidates than terms expiring this year.

However, challenger Michael Bartock returned paperwork withdrawing his candidacy early Tuesday afternoon, according to SUD office manager Carrie Holson. Prior to that, there were four candidates for the three terms expiring this spring.

Other governing bodies without contested elections this year include the Albany and Moran city councils, the Albany and Moran school districts and the Shackelford County Hospital District. All of those boards are expected cancel their elections.

Fort Griffin SUD

Until Tuesday, it appeared that the special water district would be holding an election in all six counties that it serves.

Incumbents Ben Hale, Robert Montgomery, and Jimmie Ann “Sug” Roller all filed prior to the deadline, along with challenger Michael Bartock.

However, Bartock picked up paperwork early this week, apparently with the intention of withdrawing from the race and avoiding the cost of an election. He returned the completed documentation on Tuesday, so the SUD is expected to cancel the May 6 election.

Hospital Board

There will be one vacant seat on the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors after the May 6 election date.

Incumbent Leslie Belcher did not file for reelection.

The other three incumbents will all continue to serve, including Kraymer Harbold who was recently appointed to an unexpired term and will fill that seat until May 2024.

The board could appoint someone to the vacant seat after Belcher’s term expires May 6.

Albany School Board

Albany ISD trustees Robert Montgomery and Ginny Ivy filed for their seats without opposition and will serve another three years.

The newest board member, Bo Brown, filed to serve the rest of his Place 3 seat.

Albany City Council

Albany mayor Susan Mongomery and incumbent city council members Lynsi Musselman and Don Taggart all signed up early in the one-month filing period for another two-year stint.

They drew no opposition.

Moran City Council

The Moran council and mayoral race ended up with a full slate of candidates but no contested races.

All incumbents for the Moran city council filed, including appointee Tyler George for mayor, which is an unexpired term, and council members Christal Herrell, Tyler Kinman, and Gene Thompson.

Moran School Board

Both incumbents in the Moran school board race, Gary Roan and James Shelton, filed for additional three-year terms

Without a contested race for the ballot, the Moran ISD is also expected to cancel its election.