Resignation leaves four seats open

With council approval Monday night of Councilman Bill Longnecker's resignation, four seats are now open on the council.

Incumbents Councilman Phil Lyons and Mayor Dennis Berry have both filed for re-election, with Councilman Jim Kenny declining to run again. Kenny announced at the May 1 council meeting that he was withdrawing from the race.

Other candidates for the four-year terms are Colleen Grant and Lonnie Anderson.

Those interested in being on the November ballot to finish Longnecker's two-year term have until 4 p.m. Aug. 31 to file.

Write-in candidates have until Oct. 25 to file a notarized affidavit and filing fee with Red Willow County Clerk Pauletta Gerver.

To temporarily fill the vacancy created by the resignation, City Clerk Lea Ann Doak will be accepting letters of interest from applicants until Sept. 5.

Mayor Dennis Berry will choose a name from among the candidates and bring it before the council Sept. 5.

Council members must then approve the name by three votes.

The successor will fill the position until the state-wide general election Nov. 7.

Councilman Longnecker recommended Marty Conroy as a possible replacement, but he, like everyone else, would have to submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk by the September deadline.