Candidates in the west end of the county will be taking it easy on August 28 instead of worrying over poll returns like their counterparts in the other municipal elections throughout the county.
Both the city of Red Bay and the town of Vina will be able to sit out this municipal election since neither city had candidates facing opposition at the end of qualifying on Tuesday.
Red Bay City Clerk Linda Holcomb said it was a relief to know her city wouldn’t be involved in an election this August because of the benefits involved.
“The main benefit to avoiding a municipal election is the money it saves the city,” Holcomb said. “This will save us at least $6,000 and could even possibly have saved us up to $11,000 if we had to be involved in a run-off situation. That money can now be utilized in other areas that will benefit the city.”
Holcomb said it’s also good to have some consistency in the city’s leadership.
“If you didn’t have a good group leading the town, then it obviously wouldn’t be a benefit to have those same people serve again, but we have a great team of leaders here in Red Bay,” she said. “Much progress has been made during the term of this present administration, so not having to go through an election is just good all around for our city.”
The incumbent who were basically re-elected to their positions include Mayor Bobby Forsythe and council members Mike Kennedy, Mike Stockton, David Tiffin, Charlene Fancher and Brad Bolton.
In Vina, those who were elected, or re-elected in some cases, include Mayor D.W. Franklin, and council members Mary Mahhock, Bill Moomaw, Robert Moomaw, Marshall Rogers and Denieta Cantrell.
At lunchtime on Tuesday, Hodges town officials thought they might also manage to avoid an election this year, but town clerk Frankie Petree said they had a couple of last minute qualifiers.
In Place 2, incumbent Melissa McHenry will face Jeff Stidham and in Place 3, Nick Howard will face Betty Gober. The mayor’s seat and all other places were unopposed.
The city of Russellville’s slate of candidates remained the same until the last few hours of qualifying. James Webb has joined the race in District 5 to face James “Jamie” Harris and Susie Malone.
The town of Phil Campbell did not have any last minute qualifiers.
Municipal elections are set for Tuesday, Aug. 28.
A full list of municipal candidates can be found at www.fct.wpengine.com.