Local filing ends with 2 contested races
By Donnie A. Lucas
Only two of the six local entities located within the county will hold elections on May 7, with the other four entities cancelling elections because there were no contested races.
The filing period for each of the local races ended Friday, Feb. 18, with only the Shackelford County Hospital Board and the Fort Griffin SUD Board drawing more candidates than terms expiring this year.
The governing bodies without contested elections this year include the Albany and Moran city councils and the Albany and Moran school districts. All of those boards are expected cancel their elections soon.
Hospital Board
Seven candidates returned applications and petitions with at least 10 registered voters to enter the race for three two-year seats on the hospital board.
The lone incumbent filing for one of the three positions is Myra Hise. Incumbents John Peterson and Chris Beard did not file; however, Beard did file for an open seat on the Albany City Council.
Joining Hise on the ballot for the three at-large positions on the board are Jason Price, Mary Beth Jones, Kayla Herron, Rochelle Stewart, Kraymer Harbold, and Elizabeth Roysdon.
Albany School Board
The three incumbents on the Albany ISD board have each filed for another 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.
The school board will cancel their election since it is uncontested.
Albany City Council
The Albany City Council race drew a full slate as of Friday, with incumbents Lester Galbreath and Austin Sherwood both signing up for another two-year term. Incumbent Ragan Riley did not seek a stint.
Chris Beard signed up late last week for the open position, opting to forego another term on the hospital board.
Moran City Council
The Moran council and mayoral race ended up with a full slate of candidates but no contested races. The council was expected to cancel the election at a meeting held Tuesday night.
Newly appointed mayor Tyler George was the only person filing for a one-year unexpired mayoral term starting in May.
City secretary Teresa King said that three candidates filed for the three two-year terms that are expiring, including incumbent council members Dora Cook Leonard and Kimberly York.
Bobby Howard signed up for the remaining position last week for a full two-year term. He is also expected to be appointed to fill the seat vacated by George until the May election.
Moran School Board
Both incumbents in the Moran school board races filed for additional three-year terms. Sam Snyder and Alice Branham are seeking reelection.
Without a contested race for the ballot, the Moran ISD is also expected to cancel its election.
Fort Griffin SUD
The special district will be electing two members for three-year terms of office this year. Both incumbents, Kenneth Hill and Sid Collingsworth, filed for another term prior to the deadline.
The race also picked up challenger Gary Roan.
