SPRINGDALE — Potential candidates picking up filing packets for city council elections are starting to define the races.
The filing period runs from Aug. 4 to noon Aug. 24. The election is Nov. 2. Picking up a packet does not mean the person will run for the office.
The packets will be available until the final day to file as a candidate for election. The packet includes a nominating petition, a political practices pledge, an affidavit of eligibility, a statement of financial interest and campaign contribution and expenses report. Municipal races are nonpartisan.
Nine possible candidates for four seats on the city council have picked up packets at the Springdale city clerk’s office. The total includes three incumbents. One incumbent has announced he will not seek re-election.
Jesse Core, the Ward 3, Position 1, council incumbent, announced he will not run for another term. Core defeated Ray Dotson, who held the position, in a 2006 run-off election.
Position 1 in all four Springdale wards are up for four-year terms.
Core wishes to spend more time with his daughter, he said. He waited until after some major issues were completed before his announcement, he said.
Core said he would not be a candidate on July 14, the day after a controversial rezoning was defeated.
Brad Bruns announced he will be running for the Ward 3 position. Chris Neyland could possibly run against Bruns. Washington County voter registration records show Christopher Neyland lives in Ward 3.
The incumbents in the other three wards collected signatures on their petitions to appear on the ballot before Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The signatures of 30 registered Springdale voters are required to be on the ballot, said Denise Pearce, city clerk/treasurer.
Incumbent Jim Reed could face two potential challengers Ward 1. They are Chad Atwell, an lawyer, and Steve Martindale.
In Ward 2, Joel Kelsey, a member of the Springdale Planning Commission, could run against incumbent Mike Overton.
Incumbent Bobby Stout could face Rick Culver, 2010 president of the Rodeo of the Ozarks board of directors, in Ward 4.
The city attorney position is also up for election. Incumbent Jeff Harper is the only person to pick up a packet so far.
The mayor, city clerk, district judge and the other four council positions are up for election in 2012.