The city of Cordell will have two contested races in the spring election, according to the list of candidates released by the Washita County election board last week.
In Ward 1, incumbent Vicky Dunlap, 75, will face challenges from 54-year-old Sheri Parsons and 40-year-old Amy Riggs. Dunlap is running for a fourth term on the council.
In Ward 4, incumbent 60-year-old Vona Baker (Hicks) will face off against Tad Boone, 46. Baker is running for a second term.
In Wards 2 and 3, standing council members Earlene Smith, 61, and Buddy Holman, 36, will not face challengers. They will be sworn in for new terms in the council meeting immediately after the April 6 election.
The city likely will have to hold a special election to fill a second seat in Ward 3, mayor Jerry Beech said, as no candidates filed to run for that seat. Councilman James Newman previously announced he would not run for re-election.
“While I have enjoyed the experience for the most part, my job keeps me busy and I cannot put in the time this really needs,” Newman said in an earlier interview. “I also feel that others should take up the opportunity to be a part of the council and see how the city runs and use their experience and expertise to better our city. I feel there should always be fresh voices rotating through the council.”
City Clerk Christie Cherry, 64, will not face an opponent for her seat. She also will be sworn in for a new term in the council meeting after the April 6 election.
The Beacon will run profiles of candidates in the contested races in March. Stay tuned for that coverage.
Municipal elections are non-partisan elections, meaning there are no political affiliations associated with the races.
Meanwhile, several other communities in Washita County are holding elections as well.
BURNS FLAT
Board of Trustees
Candace Bond, 55, and Rod Mckone, 66
TOWN OF CANUTE
Board of Trustees
Kem Kilhoffer, 63, David Root, 67, and Jared Atha, 37
TOWN OF CORN
Board of Trustees
Kenneth E Dyck, 65, and Conner T Mitchell, 30
DILL CITY
Board of Trustees
Carol Bell, 70, and Debby Green, 58.
TOWN OF ROCKY
Board of Trustees
Toni Lesley, 45
SENTINEL
Board of Trustees
Doug Reimer, 61, and Kelly Smith, 66.
Town Clerk-Treasurer
Elissia Chandler, 49