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Editorial: Don't forget to vote

Eight are seeking four seats on the Williams City Council in Tuesday's Primary Election. Williams Mayor John Moore faces challenger William Brock for the mayor's office. Two incumbents - Vice Mayor Don Dent and Councilman Kevin Young - are running to retain their council seats against challengers Bernie Hiemenz, Lee Payne, Mark Pixley and Gerald (Buck) Williams. We have interviewed all candidates and stories featuring each have appeared in the News. If you missed reading these stories in our print edition, you can still read each candidate's interview by visiting williamsnews.com.

Voters wishing to vote early in person have until Friday to do so at the Elections Office in Flagstaff - 110 E. Cherry Ave. - and tomorrow by 5 p.m. at Williams City Hall, 113 S. First St. On Tuesday, the polls will be open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. South side voters can vote at Coconino Community College, 636 S. Seventh St. North side residents can cast their votes at Grand Canyon Railway in the Grand Canyon Room, 601 W. Franklin Ave.

Since the city council race can actually be decided at the primary, we urge you to decide which four candidates you want in office. Should any candidate receive 50 percent of the votes plus one, he will be elected. In the event the primary doesn't determine who wins an office, a general run-off election will be held May 18.

Remember, at the local level an individual's efforts can have profound consequences on our town. The city council makes decisions that vitally affect Williams residents - decisions ranging from specific measures including zoning variances and parking restrictions, to broader issues such as economic development and permanently alleviating water shortages.

Home Rule - listed on the ballot as Proposition 300 - is also on the ballot for voter approval in Tuesday's election. Voter approval is required for Home Rule every four years. Home Rule allows local elected officials to set the city's annual budget. Without this measure the state would mandate the total amount the city can spend. Without Home Rule many services currently offered by the city would be eliminated.

Out of 90 Arizona cities and towns, 77 - or 85 percent- currently operate under the Home Rule option. We urge residents to vote "yes" for Home Rule.


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