Three more candidates have stepped forward for city council seats in the south valley, one in each of the cities of Hailey, Bellevue and Carey.
In Hailey, real estate agent Anthony St. George will run against incumbent Councilwoman Martha Burke. Don Keirn will run unopposed to keep his seat in the November election, unless a write-in candidate files to run against him by Oct. 20.
St. George has lived in the area since 2002 and he voted for Barack Obama in the last presidential election. He said his decision to run for office was made to bring "enthusiasm and a change in the status quo" to the Hailey City Council.
"The council has done a fantastic job of protecting the small-town feel of Hailey," St. George said. "I'd like to see us also bring new businesses and careers to town that are not dependent on the construction industry. There is a feeling that some businesses in Hailey are over-regulated and stifled."
David Hattula, a seven-year Bellevue resident and business consultant, joined contractor Tom Perry in running against incumbents Brett Gelsky and Gene Ramsey for three City Council seats in Bellevue. Councilman Larry Plott has decided to step down rather than run again.
"My main concern is staying in touch with the people of Bellevue, and to defer to them on matters like annexations, to ask the people's opinions in the neighborhoods that will be affected by the council's decisions," Hattula said.
In Carey, Dustin Colton decided at the last minute last week to run for a vacant City Council seat, rather than leave the appointment to the new mayor.
"I am running in order to be a part of my community," Colton said.
Incumbent Greg Carlson is running to keep the other open seat on the council.
Mayor Rick Baird is stepping down after three terms. Former Councilman Randy Patterson is running to take his place.
The elections will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
