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Become familiar with the city council candidates

The March 11 primary election is rapidly approaching. To help our readers learn more about the seven Williams City Council candidates, the News is in the midst of running a series of articles featuring each candidate. Williams Mayor Ken Edes faces Councilman John Moore for the mayor's office. Three seats - those occupied by Vice Mayor Bernie Hiemenz and councilmen Moore and James Wurgler - are up for grabs on the city council. Hiemenz and Wurgler are seeking voter approval to retain their seats. Challengers include Williams residents Walter Eastland, Frank McNelly and Bill Miller.

In last week's News, we featured Eastland, Hiemenz and McNelly. This week the News features Miller and Wurgler. Next week, you will have the opportunity to become more acquainted with Edes and Moore.

Meet the candidates in person during a public forum set for 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Williams Elementary-Middle School auditorium, 601 N. Seventh St. The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce and the News are co-sponsoring the forum. Judge Bill Sutton Jr., city magistrate and justice of the peace, will facilitate the forum.

During the forum, the candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and explain why they are running for city council. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions.

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

All seven candidates should be commended for the commitment they have made in seeking office to serve their community. 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 20.

Become acquainted with the candidates by reading their profiles in print or online at our Web site, williamsnews.com. Attend the forum to assess the candidates. Cast an informed ballot on March 11. Who will sit on the Williams City Council is ultimately up to you.

No political letters, please

It is a long-standing policy at the News that no letters to the editor or guest viewpoints will be accepted - against or for - city council candidates prior to the election. Thank you in advance for understanding this policy and for honoring it in the past.

Early voting begins Feb. 7 and early ballots can be requested now from the Coconino County Elections Office. The last day to register to vote is Feb. 11 and the last day to request an early ballot by mail is Feb. 29. The last day to vote early is March 7.

For more information, contact the elections office at (928) 779-6589.


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