No races contested at press time
By Donnie A. Lucas
With no contested races as of Tuesday, residents only have two more days to toss their hats into the local political ring for several local elections to be decided May 7.
Only the Albany ISD trustee election had drawn a full slate of candidates as of Tuesday, with one or more positions still lacking candidates on five of six boards or councils with terms expiring for the election.
Without a contested race thus far, all six boards are looking at the possibility of being able to cancel their elections.
Candidates have until Friday, Feb. 18 to have their names placed on the ballots for any of the local elections, which includes positions for both Albany and Moran school boards and city councils, along with the Shackelford County Hospital District and the Fort Griffin Special Utility District.
Albany School Board
The three incumbents on the Albany ISD board have filed for a three-year term, according to the superintendent’s office on Tuesday.
The newest board member, Matt Bellah, was appointed during the December meeting to replace longtime trustee Kelly Head for the Place 5 seat that expires in May. Bellah has signed up for a full three-year term that will start in May.
Likewise, incumbents Joe Tidwell and Kim Neece Fuentes both filed for another term for their Place 6 and Place 7 seats respectively.
Anyone interested in filing for one of the seats must run for a specific place, applying in the superintendent’s office adjacent to the tennis courts at the secondary campus by Friday.
Albany City Council
The Albany City Council race drew two incumbents this week for additional two-year terms; however, the third seat still remains without a candidate.
Council members Lester Galbreath and Austin Sherwood both signed up for another two-year term in the at-large election on Monday. Ragan Riley had not yet filed for her post, nor had anyone else as of press time.
Applications for the election are available at City Hall. For more information, contact the city office at 325-762-3133.
Hospital Board
The hospital district office reports that Mary Beth Jones has turned in her application and petition as the first verified candidate for one of three two-year terms up for election.
Jason Price had turned in paperwork a week ago, but it was determined that an updated petition form was required. Regina Whitt said that Price has the new form and is expected to file by the deadline. Both would be new to the board if elected, although both have served in past years.
Two of the current board members also picked up petitions to start the process to file a couple of weeks ago, but neither had gotten one of the new petitions or filed at press time.
According to the district office, incumbents Chris Beard and Myra Hise have obtained the required paperwork but neither has officially filed as of Tuesday.
The other incumbent is John Peterson, who has not indicated if he plans to run for re-election.
All hospital board candidates are required to file an application and a petition with at least 10 signatures of currently registered voters in the county in order to file for office.
The updated forms are available at the district office located in the EMS building. Contact Regina Whitt for more information at 325-762-3313.
Moran City Council
Newly appointed mayor Tyler George has filed for a one-year unexpired mayoral term starting in May, along with two incumbent council members.
The council position that George just resigned when he was appointed as mayor is still vacant.
City secretary Teresa King said that the council is expected to appoint someone this week to fill George’s unexpired council position, and the new member is anticipated to file before the Friday deadline for a full two-year term starting in May.
George filed for the one-year unexpired mayoral term, which is now open to challengers as well.
Incumbent council members Dora Cook Leonard and Kimberly York both signed up last week for additional two-year terms of office.
Anyone with questions can contact the city office on weekday mornings at 325-945-3441.
Moran School Board
As of Tuesday, incumbent Sam Snyder filed for another three-year term on the Moran ISD board.
Incumbent Alice Branham’s seat is also expiring, but she had not filed.
Those interested in running should contact the superintendent’s office at the school, 325-945-3101, during regular school hours.
Fort Griffin SUD
The special district will be electing two members for three-year terms. The positions are currently held by Kenneth Hill and Sid Collingsworth, but neither had filed as of Tuesday.
For information on how to file for one of the seats on the board, contact Carrie Holson at 325-762-2575.
