In the interest of full disclosure, let it be known that the author of this article is married to the Mayor.
If you have ever felt the pull to serve in a public office, now might just be the perfect time to step forward and help direct Lyons’ future. This April the Town of Lyons will hold an election for all six seats on the Board of Trustees (BOT) and for the Mayoral position. The Board meets twice a month (the first and third Mondays) for about two and a half to three hours (it just seems longer for those in the audience). The Trustees also act as liaisons for various boards or commissions, so that might entail another meeting or two over the course of the month. Unlike years past, prospective candidates might not have to run against a host of incumbents. Two Trustees are term limited, and two others have indicated they won’t be seeking re-election.
The following are quotes from various elected officials who were questioned as to whether or not they anticipated running for re-election: Trustee Tina Schooler – “No,” Trustee Kirk Udovich – “No comment,” Trustee Brian Donnell (term limited as a Trustee, asked if he would run for Mayor) – “No, I plan to travel more for work, and spend more time in my studio. Five months (Donnell served as Mayor Pro Tem from December of 2008 to April of 2009) were enough.” Trustee Peter Baumgartner (also term limited as a Trustee, also asked if he would run for Mayor) – “No, I don’t have time.” Juli Waugh – “I will not be running for re-election.” Trustee Kathy Carroll was out of town, and unavailable for comment.
Mayor Julie Van Domelen, who was voted in last April in a special election to complete former Mayor Kris Hicar’s term, has picked up, filled out, and turned in her petition of names, indicating that she will run for re-election. According to Town Clerk Deb Anthony, as of 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, three other residents have picked up packets, however none have turned them in.
Individuals wishing to run for either a Trustee position or for Mayor, may pick up a packet at Town Hall. All petitions, containing at least 10 signatures of registered voters who reside within the boundaries of Lyons, must be turned in no later than the end of the business day (4:30 p.m.) Friday, March 5. Anthony suggests that potential candidates get a few extra signatures (perhaps 15 or 20) just in case a few names are not valid.
In the race for the Trustee seats, the top six vote getters are elected. In the Mayoral race, the top vote getter gets the position. In the unlikely event that less than seven candidates for the BOT sign up, and Van Domelen were also to run unopposed for Mayor, the election would be canceled. Under that scenario, those candidates who did fill out valid petitions would get the seats. If less than six candidates filed petitions for the BOT, the vacant seats would have to be filled by appointment.
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