Few takers so far for city’s elected posts
By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Unless there’s an influx of late candidates for municipal posts, the only thing heating up around Hartselle this summer will be the temperature.
Only two candidates who have announced intentions to seek the mayor’s post and only incumbents are making plans to vie for the city council. Mayor Dwight Tankersley is seeking a second term in office, a rarity for Hartselle mayors. He faces truck driver and long-time council critic Mike Dowdy.
Official qualifying for the non-partisan, city-wide posts begins July 1 and ends July 15. Municipal elections are set for Aug. 26.
Council incumbents Mark Mizell, Bill Drake, Samie Wiley and Bill Smelser have all announced plans to seek another term. Council president Kenny Thompson, who originally said he didn’t plan to run again, changed his mind and is seeking reelection.
The lack of candidates is a change in Hartselle politics, which has seen a virtual complete turnover in city leadership every four years. Hartselle has not elected a mayor to more than one term in almost 30 years.
For those thinking about running for office, the city has an information package available at city hall or on its website, www.hartselle.org.
