With the new election year just weeks old already 14 potential candidates have picked up petitions from the county board of elections to run in the fall.

Of those 14, eight are currently incumbents including longtime municipal court judges O. Clark Collins Jr. and Donald Capper. If elected again, this will give Ironton Municipal Court Judge Collins his sixth term in office.

Lawrence County Municipal Court Judge Capper was appointed in October 1990 following the death of Judge Charles Burd. He has remained on the bench ever since.

Right now two new faces may be vying for places as Lawrence Township Trustees: Kenny Mannon and Don Mannon. Lori Morris, incumbent fiscal officer, has also picked up a petition.

Also possible candidates in November are incumbents Terry Porter for Union Township Trustee; Craig Thomas for Upper Township Trustee and Tyler Walters, Upper fiscal officer; and Douglas “Matt” Malone again for Perry Township Trustee.

Donald Adkins has picked up petitions for both Windsor Township fiscal officer and Symmes Valley school board.

On the Ironton city government level Mayor Rich Blankenship is seeking a second term in office. Councilwoman Beth Rist is also considering a run for that office.

Judges must file by May 2 for their six-year terms; other offices, which are for four years, by Aug. 10.

The upcoming election on Nov. 8, will be the last general election before the changes from the ongoing redistricting process, where state and Congressional district lines are expected to be redrawn. That will be felt on the local level.

“The boards of election will have to re-precinct,” according to Maggie Ostrowski of the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. “It is quite a lot of work for the local boards. The new districts have to be in place by October of next year.”