Braxton Citizens' News, Government

Municipal elections set

With the passing of the deadline on Saturday, January 25, to register for the upcoming municipal elections in Braxton County’s incorporated cities the ballots are now set.

The majority of the competition will be in Sutton, where two people are running for the office of mayor and recorder and eight individuals are competing for five council seats.

Newcomers Carolyn Hoover and John Patterson will compete for the office of Mayor. Hoover is the wife of current mayor JD Hoover while Patterson is currently a member of council.

Robyn Dolan, incumbent Recorder is being challenged by Debbie Pierson.

Eight individuals are vying for the five council seats including incumbents Beth Atkins, Catherine Hoover and Jon Crum. Also competing for a position on the council are Darrell Pierson, Thomas (Joe) Gates, David Petolicchio, David Bender and Laurel Petolicchio.

In Gassaway, Paula Marie Cunningham is challenging incumbent Mayor Richard Roach for the city’s top position. Mike Chapman, who currently sits on the town council, will be running unopposed for the office of Recorder. Six citizens will compete for the five council positions. They include incumbents Rocky G. Nutter, Sandy Whitesel Simons and Lynn Jeffries. Also in the race are Rick Criner, Lois Cole, and Linda Sears.

In Flatwoods the only competition will be for the office of Mayor. Rick Fields is challenging current Mayor Dale Ball who is seeking another term. Incumbent Lisa Hamrick is running unopposed for the office of Treasurer/Recorder. Only five people have filed for the five council seats. They include Dennis Miller, Brenda Ball, Keith Long, Jake Hamrick and Cortney Luzader.

In Burnsville, incumbent Mayor Paul Bragg has chosen not to seek reelection. Current councilmem-bers Chris Dean is the only person to file for the top slot in that city. No one filed for the office of Recorder and only three of members of the current council are seeking another term. They are Tommy Crutchfield, Colin Dean and Steve Wine.

The Election is set for Tuesday, June 10. Early voting will be held in each municipality from May 28 through June 7. The last day for city residents to register to vote, at the Braxton County Clerk’s Office, will be May 20.