An empty seat is up for the taking in Bellevue. Mayor John Barton officially announced he is not seeking re-election this spring.
"It is official, I will not be seeking a third term," Barton announced at the regular meeting of the Bellevue City Council, Thursday, Jan. 27.
The mayor's term expires this spring along with the terms of Councilwoman Tammy Schofield, Councilwoman Vivian Ivie and Council President Eric Allen. Schofield stated she plans to run for re-election, Ivie is undecided and Allen did not return a phone call from the Mountain Express. The mayor's seat and the council position each carry a two-year term.
The election process begins this month with the Bellevue's annual nominating caucus 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Bellevue City Hall.
"It's very important that we have citizen participation in the caucus," Barton explained.
The caucus serves as a forum for the city to select candidates to serve as mayor and to serve on the city council.
In order to nominate a candidate, a person must be a resident of Bellevue for at least 30 days, a United States citizen, a registered Bellevue voter and appear in person at the caucus.
Candidates seeking election must also be a resident of Bellevue for at least 30 days, be a United States citizen and be a registered Bellevue voter. The candidates are not required to be present to accept the nomination, but the person must sign a declaration of candidacy and file the declaration with the city clerk by the end of the caucus.
The election for mayor and city council seats will be held April 4. On Election Day the polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall.
John Barton
