Soon there will be a new mayor in Carey. Council seats in Bellevue and Hailey could change hands as well.
As the November city elections approach, only a few citizens have stepped forward in the south valley to run for office.
In Hailey, incumbent City Council members Don Keirn and Martha Burke will both run to keep their seats, the only ones up for grabs this fall. No challengers have stepped forward to run against them.
Hailey candidates run for specific seats in elections and must win by a simple majority of votes. Bellevue and Carey have "open elections," which award available council seats to the winners of the most votes.
In Bellevue, three of five seats on the City Council are up for election—those belonging to Larry Plott, Brett Gelsky and Gene Ramsey. Only Ramsey is running to keep his seat.
Contractor and 32-year Bellevue resident Tom Perry has stepped forward to run for Bellevue City Council.
"I noticed they were short on candidates and contracting has been slow lately," Perry said. "I think it is time for me to do my public service."
In Carey, Mayor Rick Baird is stepping down after three terms. Former Councilman Randy Patterson has filed to take his place. Patterson could not be reached for comment.
Two City Council seats will also be up for election in Carey—those belonging to Greg Carlson and Jeff Koudelka. Only Carlson is running to keep his seat and no one has stepped up to claim the second one.
The deadline for filing for candidacy is Friday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
The elections will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
