Mayor and council seats up for bids

— Mayors from four towns in northeast Benton County each plan to seek re-election.

“We’ve got a lot of things going on and I’d like to continue on and see more things done,” Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree said.

Gateway Mayor Lida Schnitzer, echoing Crabtree’s sentiment, said: “We have some things started that I would like to see finished.”

Schnitzer has been mayor of Gateway since 1989. The position is for a four-year term.

Garfield Mayor Laura Hamilton,is seeking re-election for a second time. She was initially appointed to fill an unexpired term.

“I feel like we have a good strong council and we’ve made good progress. I love the town of Garfield and want to continue to serve,” Hamilton said.

Avoca Mayor Tommy O’Dell said he was strongly considering running again. He has been mayor for 10 years.

Each municipality has council positions open as well. In Pea Ridge, two positions are up for re-election - those held by Bob Cottingham and Nadine Telgemeier. Cottingham was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 2005and then was elected. Telgemeier was appointed to fill an unexpired term vacated by Guary Morgan.

Cottingham is councilman for Ward 1, position 2 - the southeast quadrant of town. Telgemeier is Ward 2, position 2 - the northeast quadrant of the city.

The recorder/treasurer position and all council member positions are up for re-election in Garfield, Gateway and Avoca.

Filing begins at noon Wednesday, Aug. 4, and ends at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Petitions may be obtained from the County Clerk. Ten signatures are required in order to have a name added to the ballot.

News, Pages 1 on 07/28/2010