craigdailypress.com

Terry Carwile

Don Jones

Byron Willems

Gene Bilodeau

Courtsey photo

Bill Johnston

The city of Craig may face serious tests in the next four years, City Clerk Shirley Seely said, which means there could be a lot riding on the April 7 municipal elections.

"Just with the economic conditions around the country the way they are, we could be in for some challenges here," she said.

Thankfully, Seely added, there's always a group of concerned residents willing to sacrifice their time to serve the public.

"We've had housewives, we've had business people, we've had people with ordinary jobs," she said. "It's always fun to see who's going to come out of the woodwork and decide to run."

Residents will be able to begin their bids for public office in a few days. A total of four City Council spots and the mayor's seat are up for re-election this year, which constitutes a majority of elected city offices.

Seely will make nomination petitions available to residents Monday at City Hall, however prospective candidates must wait until Feb. 16 to begin collecting signatures.

All candidates must return 25 signatures from registered voters living in Craig to Seely by March 6 to land on the ballot for any position. Seely will verify all signatures with the Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office before naming official candidates.

Of the five city politicians facing the end of their tenures in office, only Councilor Bill Johnston is term limited.

Councilors Gene Bilodeau, Terry Carwile and Byron Willems said they plan to run for re-election. Mayor Don Jones, who will fulfill his second term this April, said he would "probably" run again, but would have to consider some things before making a final decision.

The mayor's position is a two-year term, but each of the Council seats will last four years, with the exception of Bilodeau's.

Bilodeau was appointed to replace former Councilor Rod Compton in February 2008, and although Compton's term would have run through 2011, Bilodeau must run for re-election to keep the seat because he is an appointee. The position will last for another two years, until it naturally comes up for re-election.

Bilodeau said that despite being a political outsider, he is glad he became a part of the Council.

"I like the community I live in, and I want to be a part of directing where it's heading," he said.

A lot of people have asked him whether he has become disillusioned with local government because of his position with the city, Bilodeau said, but he remains passionate about his role in office.

It helps him be a part of his community's future, he said, and it gives him an opportunity to affect positive change.

"I don't find things to be overly political," he said. "I have no desire to be involved in something I see as going through the motions."

Residents can find more information on how to run for city office by calling Seely at 826-2008.