Latest news with #municipalElections
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Amarillo City Council takeaways: Election results, public accusations, police chief search
The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday, July 8 approved two resolutions affirming and clarifying the results of the May 3 and June 7 municipal elections, aiming to resolve lingering procedural concerns while drawing sharp criticism from a resident who contended the actions violated state law. The council also voted to move forward with the city's search for a new police chief, approving a contract with a national recruitment firm specializing in public safety leadership. Resolutions No. 07-08-25-2 and No. 07-08-25-3 attach previously omitted voting tabulations and certificates of election from the May 3 general election and the June 7 runoff. City officials said the documents had been part of the original canvassing process but were not included in the initial resolutions. 'These actions are consistent with state law and ensure completeness of the record and transparency for the public,' City Manager Grayson Path told council members. 'The results and outcomes remain unchanged.' The resolutions passed unanimously among the three members present: Mayor Cole Stanley, Councilmember Les Simpson, and Councilmember David Prescott. Councilmembers Don Tipps and Tim Reid were absent. Mayor Stanley said the city followed Texas Election Code and described the resolutions as 'an affirmation and clarification — not a re-canvass.' 'We simply received the tabulated results and fulfilled our duty under the law,' Stanley said. 'This doesn't change the election outcome, but it does complete the public record.' He said any concerns about election procedures should be directed to the county election administrator, not the council, which hires the county to run city elections. Stanley acknowledged the need for clearer communication and said policy updates are likely. During public comment, Amarillo resident Michael Ford challenged the legality of the city's actions. He argued the elections had not been lawfully canvassed and that the newly passed resolutions were an attempt to retroactively validate flawed procedures. 'All I've asked, and all the law requires, is that you hold a lawful canvass,' Ford said. 'Open the sealed returns, tabulate the votes by precinct, and include early voting — recorded in the minutes.' He contended that the city's failure to perform a public canvass in accordance with Texas Election Code Section 67.004 rendered the certificates of election invalid. Ford warned that the council was knowingly adopting false records and cited several sections of state law outlining potential criminal penalties. In a direct challenge, he questioned the legitimacy of newly seated Place 3 Councilmember David Prescott and others. 'You are not legally qualified to be here,' Ford said. 'Per the Secretary of State, no lawful canvass means no lawful certificate, no lawful oath, and no legal authority.' Mayor Stanley did not directly respond to Ford's accusations during the meeting but emphasized afterward that 'everyone has a right to raise concerns' and that the council took an extra step 'to close the loop and provide transparency.' The council also approved a contract with Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc., a California-based firm composed of former law enforcement executives who specialize in police and fire chief recruitments. The firm has conducted high-profile searches in cities like Dallas, Irving, Killeen, and Oklahoma City, and it has developed a national reputation for identifying community-oriented law enforcement leaders. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman said the firm was selected from a competitive pool of 10 applicants. It stood out for its deep law enforcement knowledge and exclusive focus on public safety recruitment. 'They've built a strong national network of candidates and are constantly engaged with active and emerging police leaders through conferences and association events,' Freeman said. 'They understand what modern policing requires, and they know what Amarillo needs.' The contract carries a base cost of $42,500 and is expected to exceed $50,000 with travel and logistical expenses. It will be paid for using salary savings from the currently vacant chief position. Freeman said the process is already underway and includes stakeholder engagement, department input, and the creation of a recruitment brochure. Finalists — expected to number between three and five — will visit Amarillo for interviews and public forums. 'We're going to work with the firm to define the qualities we're looking for — someone with leadership strength, a commitment to transparency, and a strong sense of community connection,' he said. The city hopes to have a new chief in place by November or December. The council also authorized $3.8 million in funding for street preservation projects, including microsurfacing and cape seal work. The funds are part of a larger $11-12 million effort to address long-deferred infrastructure needs. Residents can track project locations through an online city map. Stanley reaffirmed the city's opt-out policy on automated water meters and emphasized their benefits: real-time leak detection, accurate billing, and usage tracking. He also addressed a shift in how public comments are managed during council meetings, including the return of a visible countdown timer to enforce speaking limits. 'Public meetings are about balance,' he said. 'We've made it easier for people to speak, but we also need to manage time to serve everyone.' As the city addresses calls for greater transparency and prepares to select new public safety leadership, Stanley said the focus remains on public trust and progress. 'We're listening,' he said. 'And we're committed to doing the work to earn people's trust moving forward.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: City council votes on election affirmation, police chief search firm
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Candidate filing opens July 7 for Catawba County municipal elections
Candidates interested in running for political office in Catawba County can begin filing for the 2025 municipal elections starting July 7. This election cycle includes six mayoral races and various seats on town and city councils across Catawba County. The filing period opens at 8 a.m. on July 7 and closes at noon on July 18, according to the Hickory Daily Record. To qualify, candidates must be registered voters, eligible to vote in the office they are running for, and at least 21 years old by November 4, the election day. ALSO READ: House passes HB3, partisan elections secured for Monroe In Hickory, incumbent Mayor Hank Guess has announced his intention to seek reelection for a third term. Council members Anthony Freeman and Jill Patton also plan to seek reelection for their respective wards. Taylor Newton, a professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, has filed to run for the Ward 5 seat on the Hickory City Council. In Conover, Mayor Kyle Hayman is seeking reelection for a second term. Both Mark Canrobert and Brenda Powell, who hold seats on the Conover City Council, have expressed their intention to run again. Long View Mayor Marla Thompson plans to run for reelection, and Eddie Marlowe, a sergeant with the Long View Police Department, has filed to challenge her. In Maiden, Beth Poovey Rudisill has confirmed her intention to seek reelection for the town council. VIDEO: House passes HB3, partisan elections secured for Monroe
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Qualifying municipal election lists
Wiregrass, Ala. (WDHN) — As the Wiregrass gears up for the upcoming municipal elections, voters will soon decide who will shape our city's future and guide its growth in the years to come. A range of candidates have officially qualified, each bringing their vision, priorities, and goals for Dothan's neighborhoods, economy, and quality of life. Here is a look at who is running for mayor and which districts will be on your ballot this election 'Cindy' Gary* JoAnn Bennett GrimsleyKelvin Hall Lonnie Mims Kendall Shirah* City Council District 2 John Boggs Rosa W Lingo Phyllis Minniefield City Council District 3 Mollie Doster Allen Elaine Knight* 4 Delbert Chandler* Cynthia 'Cindi' Pittman Dennis Mathews* DeLaine 'Hawkins' Spencer Hannah Whigham : Tim Johnson Carlos J. Magwood Marty TareyTom G. Hooks Johnathan T. Lockett- incumbent : Aaron Pope Gappa Wise- incumbent : Jane B. Brunson- incumbent Christy Eubanks Laramore Todd Martinetti : Tim Hudson William Love : Kaye Ellis AR Williams – incumbent : David Hayes (I) : Rufus Lee (I) : Cory Dean, Zachary Dodson Freddy McCoy (I) : Kim Gillispie (I) Junior Mixon Luke Smithhart : Ronnie Baine, Daniel (D.C.) Coleman Ryan Tidwell (I) : Richard Bixby (I) : Sarah Tinsley (Note: Mike Fountain WITHDREW) : Daniel L. Coleman Jay Scott Stough IIJeanna Brannon Wendel Nolen (I) Johnnie YeomansMelissa Clements (I) Stanley TindellGeorge Smith Ted Thompson (I)David Cannon William Hales Kelly Tate Brandon WatfordRich BrannonDustin JonesRoger Baine (I) James (Jimmy) Hill Timothy (Chuck) McKnightHenley Hicks (I) Ryan SmithDon WhiteTravis GarrettPeggy Sawyer Riley Samantha BrownTim Bass Adam SalisburyWalter Hargrave (I)Jesse (James) ScottEmily Snellgrove (I) Janice GranthamKathi Cain (I)Patrick HendersonMargaret AycockSpencer PettitTabitha KatherMelinda CampbellVacantLisa Mathis BrownAmber HineselyThomas WilsonVacantDanny StewartMaxine DeBordCopyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dates to remember for Albertville municipal elections
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Municipal elections are coming up this fall in many North Alabama municipalities, including Albertville. News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters, and we are compiling a list of important dates so you don't get left behind on election day. Decatur Youth Services continues to operate without a permanent home First off, the big one: Election Day for Albertville is Aug. 26, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For candidates, qualifying began on June 10 and ended on June 24. Additionally, there are other dates you need to remember that can be found below: July 27 – Last day to establish residency to vote Aug. 11 – Last day to register to vote Aug. 21 – Last day to hand-deliver an application for an absentee ballot Aug. 25 – Last day to deliver a non-emergency absentee ballot and apply for an emergency absentee ballot Aug. 26 – Election Day In Alabama, residents can apply for an emergency absentee ballot if they cannot vote at a polling place due to reasons such as: Having work commitments that keep them from voting during the regular time frame. Being the caregiver of a person needing emergency treatment within five days of the election. Have an immediate family member who died within five days of the election. In the event of a runoff, Sept. 8 will be the last day to register to vote in the runoff, which will then be held on Sept. 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dates to remember for Boaz municipal elections
BOAZ, Ala. (WHNT) — Municipal elections are coming up this fall in many North Alabama municipalities, including Boaz. News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters, and we are compiling a list of important dates so you don't get left behind on election day. Local leaders break ground on new Ditto Landing event center, construction underway First off, the big one: Election Day for Boaz is Aug. 26, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For candidates, qualifying began on June 10 and ended on June 24. Additionally, there are other dates you need to remember that can be found below: July 27 – Last day to establish residency to vote Aug. 11 – Last day to register to vote Aug. 21 – Last day to hand-deliver an application for an absentee ballot Aug. 25 – Last day to deliver a non-emergency absentee ballot and apply for an emergency absentee ballot Aug. 26 – Election Day In Alabama, residents can apply for an emergency absentee ballot if they cannot vote at a polling place due to reasons such as: Having work commitments that keep them from voting during the regular time frame. Being the caregiver of a person needing emergency treatment within five days of the election. Have an immediate family member who died within five days of the election. In the event of a runoff, Sept. 8 will be the last day to register to vote in the runoff, which will then be held on Sept. 23. For more information, you can visit the city's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
