Candidates have a little more than a week left to decide if they have what it takes to sit on Ironton City Council.

Tuesday, August 15, 2000

Candidates have a little more than a week left to decide if they have what it takes to sit on Ironton City Council.

With the recent resignation and replacement of Councilman Joe Black, voters will head to the polls this November to decide who will keep the seat for the remainder of Black’s unexpired term.

Currently, the person occupying the seat is Councilman Richard Price, who was appointed in June to fill the vacancy.

Candidates for the seat must have their paperwork to the Lawrence County Board of Elections by Aug. 24.

"This is an out-of-the-ordinary situation," council chairman Jim Tordiff said. "Because of Joe Black resigning, the charter says we can appoint someone to that position until the next general election. We appointed Richard Price to hold the position until November. At that time, anyone interested in a position on the council and who meets the requirements may have their name on the ballot."

Candidates running for Joe Black’s replacement will serve on council for the remaining three years of the office, said Mary Wipert, board of elections director.

"Anyone interested in the council seat is required by city charter to have at least 50 signatures on the petition and no more than 100," Mrs. Wipert said. "They must be a resident in the city and cannot work for the city, according to the charter."

Individuals are also required to be registered voters, she added.

"The person elected to finish Joe Black’s term will take office as soon as the official count is completed on Election Day," she said. "They will hold the office until the term is up in the fall of 2003."

At least one individual has picked up a petition, she said.

Tordiff said serving on council has its rewards.

"Council is not just a lot of hard work, it can be a lot of fun," Tordiff said. "It can be very rewarding and we want to encourage people to become active in their local government. We have some major issues that we’d like to get some fresh input on."

Individuals looking for a chance to make changes in the community should give some consideration to the opportunity, he added.

"Out of all the government offices, you as a local official have direct input over how your community is affected," he said. "This is a real chance to make a difference."