Dateline: March 5, 2009

Filing deadline nears for 16 local offices

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The deadline to file for local offices is fast approaching, and several positions are still available for citizens interested in serving their community.

The 16 open positions had drawn only nine candidates as of Tuesday morning.

Sign up continues through next Monday, March 9.

Among the new candidates this week is Wes Hatley looking for a seat on the Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees. Incumbent Wayne Hardin had previously signed up to run. There are two positions available on this board.

Travis Thomas and Shelby Shipp have filed to run for the two positions available on the board of the Hedley school district.

At the City of Clarendon, Larry Hicks has filed to run for one of two positions on the Board of Aldermen, and Alderman Terry Noble has filed to run for mayor rather than filing for re-election to the board as was previously reported.

The City of Howardwick has one candidate so far with Alderman Gene Rogers filing for re-election. The mayor’s office and another board position are still available.

Hedley Alderman Colleen Owens has filed for reelection, and two other board positions have not drawn candidates yet.

No candidates have filed at the Donley County Hospital District, but the three board members whose terms are expiring have made their plans known. Melinda McAnear has said she intends to run for her Place 3 position again, but Don Thornberry (Place 1) and Alan Fletcher (Place 2) have announced that they will not be seeking re-election.