It’s now a three-way race for mayor of Alexander; One more incumbent running for council

By the end of the day on Monday, August 8 two more candidates had submitted petitions for the position of mayor of Alexander. They are current Mayor Paul Mitchell and Scott Chaloner. On the first day of filing Tommy L. Gaylor, Jr. submitted his petition to run for mayor.

Another council member is seeking re-election. On Monday Joy Gray submitted a petition to retain her Ward-2; Position-1 seat on the city council.

Petitions have already been filed by incumbent council members Harold Timmerman, Jeffery Watson and Juanita Wilson. Timmerman is running to retain his seat in Ward-3; Position-1, Watson is seeking election for Ward 4; Position-1 and Wilson is running for 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.

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

Potential candidates have until 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).

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.