Although the dust has barely settled from the November elections, it is time for Holbrook residents to start contemplating city council elections, which should promise to be much more civil than the state and national ones.
City primary elections will be held in March. Campaigns for city council seats are typically limited to yard signs and one or two organized debates, providing a welcome relief to individuals tired of mud-slinging, negative campaign ads and constant phone calls from candidates and their supporters.
Candidate packets are available now at city hall for residents interested in pursuing a seat on the council. Packets must be returned to city hall by Wednesday, Dec. 10. A total of 16 verifiable signatures of qualified electors must be collected in order for a candidate to be eligible to be placed on the ballot.
The seats up for election are those currently held by Mayor Jeff Hill, Vice Mayor Charles Haussman, and Councilmen Phil Cobb and Bobby Tyler.
Candidates for city council must have resided within the city limits for at least two years prior to the election, and must remain living within city limits during their term. Council members receive $100 per month as compensation for their service. Council members are asked to regularly attend city council meetings, which are held twice per month, and to serve as representatives of the city at public functions, and on various boards and committees.
Candidates for the position of mayor must be qualified electors and have physically lived within the city limits of Holbrook for at least two years prior to the election. The mayor must also continue to live within city limits while in office. The mayor receives $200 per month as compensation for serving. The mayor has executive and ceremonial duties, according to the city charter, but no daily administrative duties. Under the terms of the charter, administrative duties are delegated to the city manager. The mayor is asked to attend certain public functions, and to serve on certain boards and committees when possible.
The vice mayor is elected by fellow council members after the newly elected members are seated. The vice mayor stands in for the mayor in the event of his or her absence.
According to city charter, city employees may not run for mayor or city council.
The primary election for city council candidates will be held on March 10. If necessary, a general election will be held in May.
