Few step foward to run for elections

Only three candidates have stepped forward to run for office one week into the sign-up period for local elections.

Former Clarendon alderman Tommy Hill has filed paperwork to run for that position again. The city will elect two aldermen and the mayor this year. Those positions are currently held by Mayor Larry Hicks and Aldermen Janice Knorpp and Ann Huey.

Donley County Hospital Board Director Melinda McAnear (Place 3) is seeking re-election. The hospital district has three positions coming up on its board this year.

The other positions are currently held by Bubba Newhouse (Place 2) and Wayne Tubbs (Place 1).
At Hedley ISD, Ted Wright has made it official that he will run for the remainder of the unexpired term he was appointed to last year. HISD also has three full positions up this year on the school board, and those seats are held now by James Lee Potts, Tonja Ruthardt, and Karen Watt.

Three other local governments have not had any candidates sign up as of Tuesday morning.

Clarendon ISD has two trustees’ positions up this year, and those seats are currently held by Weldon Sears and Lance Thornberry.

Howardwick also has the terms of its mayor and two aldermen up this year. They are currently occupied by Mayor Del Essary and Aldermen Gene Rogers and Norm Hagood.

Three positions on the Hedley Board of Aldermen are up this year, and those positions are now held by Travis Ruthardt, Tonya Metcalf, and David Wells.

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.

Filing for these local offices continues through Monday, March 14.

To sign-up or for more information about serving on a local board, visit the administrative offices of the particular local government you are interested in.

Election Day for local governments will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011.