Several Petitions Taken Out for City Council

Several petitions have been taken out at City Hall by those who might be interested for Effingham City Council in 2015.

City Clerk Kelsey Lock reminds that those who took out the petitions might have taken them out for someone else, and even if the petitions are for the individual who took them out, it doesn't necessarily mean they'll file for office when the filing period arrives.

With that understanding, those who have pulled petitions for city office include incumbents Merv Gillenwater, Brian Milleville and Don Althoff, along with Jeff Bloemker who Friday announced he is running for mayor. Others who have picked up a petition for city office include former commissioner and past mayoral candidate Larry Micenheimer and current County Board member Dave Campbell, as well as Patty Russell, who is the wife of former County Board member Wayne Russell.

Current City Commissioner Matt Hirtzel confirmed this week that he is not seeking re-election to the Council.

Petitions for City office are also available at the Effingham County Clerk's Office, but County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel said his office doesn't keep track of who picks up a petition. Hirtzel, though, said neither he nor his staff recalled anyone picking up a petition for a seat on the Effingham City Council from his office.

Petitions are still available. The filing period is December 15-22. If needed, a primary election would be held early next year and the general election wll take place in April 2015 with the new Council taking office May 1, 2015.