The deadline to file as a write-in candidate for the Holbrook City Council is two weeks away, and at least one seat will be filled by a write-in candidate.
Thursday, Jan. 29, is the last day that write-in candidates can file the necessary paperwork in order to be considered for a seat on the council. Write-in candidates cannot be elected unless they have filed the appropriate paperwork by the deadline, no matter how many votes they receive.
“If they’re a write-in and it’s not official, they can’t be elected,” City Clerk Cher Reyes pointed out.
A total of four council seats are up for election, but only three names will appear on the ballot for the March 10 primary election. The three candidates who returned standard nomination packets by the December deadline include Councilman Bobby Tyler, who is seeking the position of mayor, and C.J. Wischman and David Newlin, who are seeking seats on the council. The seats up for election include those currently held by Mayor Jeff Hill, Vice Mayor Charles Haussman, and Councilmen Phil Cobb and Tyler. Hill, Haussman and Cobb have decided not to seek re-election.
Though the names of official write-in candidates will not appear on the ballot, they will be posted in a conspicuous place at the polls, according to the city clerk. Those who are casting early ballots may check the city website for the names of qualified write-ins.
Write-in candidate packets are available at city hall. The paperwork for a write-in candidate is the same as for a standard candidate, except that there is no need to collect nomination signatures.
Candidates for city council seats must have resided within city limits for at least two years prior to the election. 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 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.
