Fort Scott holds out hope for more candidates

Saturday, January 24, 2009

As the deadline approaches to file for the Fort Scott City Commission seats, a low number of entries is not worrying city officials.

According to Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay, there have been four citizens who have filed for the three open positions. Candidates included Sam Mason, Jean Parker, Kathy Dancer, and Jim Adams, the latter of whom will seek to keep his spot on the commission.

Clay said some people have expressed interest but have not yet filed, adding that she has handed out about 10 packets as of Friday afternoon.

Recently the requirement to hold a primary election was increased to more than 10 candidates. Clay said she predicts there will be more to file but is not sure if there will be enough for a primary.

"I just don't know, since there has to be more than 10 now," Clay said.

Based on previous elections, Tuesday may be a busy day for Clay, who said that in past elections, some people have waited to file on the final day just minutes before the deadline.

"It may get crazy come Tuesday afternoon," Clay said.

The last three elections have required a primary election to narrow the candidates to a total of six. According to Clay, in 2005 four of the 11 candidates filed on the day of the deadline and again in 2007, four of the eight candidates filed on the final day.

The deadline for filing is noon, Tuesday, Jan. 27. Packets can be picked up from Clay at City Hall.