Run-off election almost guaranteed with four candidates running for mayor of Alexander; Two more candidates running for council

Chrystal Hermann is the third person to challenge Alexander Mayor Paul Mitchell in his re-election bid in the November General Election. Two other opponents, Tommy L. Gaylor, Jr and Scott Chaloner, have submitted election petitions since filing began August 3. In order to avoid a run-off election a candidate must receive a majority of votes cast.

A two-way race is developing for the Ward-2; Position-2 seat. Incumbent Council Member Lonny Chapman is being challenged by Gina Thomas Littlejohn.

Tony Staton has filed for the Ward-3; Position-2 seat on the city council, currently held by Dan Church. Church will not be seeking re-election to that position.

Currently running unopposed for re-election to the Alexander City Council are council members Joy Gray (Ward-2; Position-1), Harold Timmerman (Ward-3; Position-1), Jeffery Watson (Ward 4; Position-1) and Juanita Wilson (Ward-4; Position-2).

Watson and Wilson have filed to switch positions for Ward-4. Watson is currently in Position-2 and Wilson is in Position-1.

This will be the first election for city council since the ward lines were redrawn earlier this year due to a change in the population based on the 2020 Census. Prior to this Wilson represented Ward-2 and Chapman represented Ward-4.

City council members serve a two-year term. The mayor’s position is a four-year term.

Potential candidates have until Wednesday, August 10 to pick up and return election petitions. Positions to appear on the November ballot for the City of Alexander are the eight seats on the city council and the mayor’s office.

When requesting a petition for a seat on the city council the candidate must provide the ward number and position number. Current members on the city council and their ward and position numbers are Joe Pollard (Ward-1; Position-1), Elizabeth Bland (Ward-1; Position-2), Joy Gray (Ward-2; Position-1), Lonny Chapman (Ward-2; Position-2), Harold Timmerman (Ward-3; Position-1), Dan Church (Ward-3; Position-2), Juanita Wilson (Ward-4; Position-1), and Jeffery Watson (Ward-4; Position-2).

So far, only two council members have not submitted election petitions. They are Joe Pollard (Ward-1; Position-1) and Elizabeth Bland (Ward-1; Position-2).

Anyone who wants to run for an elected city position, and has not picked up a petition, may acquire one at the Saline County Clerk's office weekdays from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM at 215 N. Main St.; Benton, AR. Candidates have until Noon, August 10 to pick up and drop off petitions. If you have any questions call the County Clerk’s office at 501-303-5630.