Early voting continues through Tuesday

Early voting by personal appearance began Monday for four local governments holding elections this spring and will continue through next Tuesday, May 10.

Howardwick voters are deciding the fate of a proposal to raise that city’s sales tax rate by one-quarter of one percent in an effort to raise about $3,350 annually for street maintenance. Mayor Del Essary is the only candidate on that city’s ballot – although incumbent Gene Rogers is a write-in candidate for one of two vacant seats on the board of aldermen.

Other local entities having elections this year are the City of Clarendon, Clarendon ISD, and the City of Hedley.

Clarendon Mayor Larry Hicks has filed to run for his office again, and three candidates are running for the two open aldermen’s positions – incumbent Janice Knorpp and former aldermen Tommy Hill and Terry Noble.

Clarendon ISD has three candidates for two trustees’ positions up this year. Incumbent Weldon Sears is seeking re-election, and Che Shadle and former board member Renee Betts are also candidates.

The City of Hedley has four candidates for its three alderman positions – incumbents Tonya Metcalf, Travis Ruthardt, and David Wells and challenger Michelle Copelin.

Positions on city boards of aldermen and the hospital board are two-year terms, and school board terms are for three years. All positions are elected at-large, but hospital board candidates must sign up for a specific place.

Howardwick and Hedley voters can cast ballots at their respective city halls. Ballots for the City of Clarendon and Clarendon ISD can be cast at the Donley County Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse Annex.

Early balloting continues through May 10. Election Day will be Saturday, May 14, 2011.