Candidates file for elections in area communities

A number of positions will be on the November 3 General Election ballot in area communities. There is limited interest in some races, competitive interest in other races, and such broad interest in a few races that a primary election will be required to pare the field.

In Monticello, three men have registered to run as mayor, including current mayor Doug Allen, prior mayor Scott Pehrson, and current City Councilman Jeremy Hoggard. The three candidates will be pared to two candidates after a September 15 primary election.

A primary election will also be required in Blanding to pare the six candidates who registered to run for two available four-year seats on the Blanding City Council. The candidates include current city councilmen Charlie Taylor and Eric Grover, and challengers Robert Ogle, Jackie Jeppson, Mike Halliday and Kevin Averett. Four candidates will advance to the general election.

While the interest is high enough to force a primary in key races in Monticello and Blanding, the Bluff Service Area Board could have three open spots because of a lack of candidates.

There will be four service area board positions that are up for reelection in November, but only one candidate filed for consideration, Dr. Dudley Beck. Any write-in candidates must declare their intent by October 5.

In other races in Monticello, three candidates filed for the two four-year positions on the Monticello City Council. They include incumbent Brad Randall, previous councilman Craig Leavitt, and Tom Wigginton.

Incumbent Scott Frost will be unopposed for a two-year seat on the Monticello City Council.

The race for Mayor may be heated in Blanding as incumbent Toni Turk will be challenged by previous mayor Jim Slavens. Councilman David Johnson will be unopposed for a two-year seat on the Blanding City Council.