The City Charter dictates that Council members serve two-years terms and that half of the district seats be decided each year. I've not heard the history that caused Districts 1, 2, 4, and 5 to be settled in the even years but I assume it was an accommodation years ago to the transition from our previous charter (in the 80's?).
 
The last day to file for a place on the ballot for those four seats this year was March 8. However, it was possible to file as a write-in candidate through Monday. Write-in candidates have to meet the same qualifications, including petition signatures, but they wouldn't be on the ballot. Instead, their names would be listed at the polling location as an allowable write-in.
 
Monday passed with no one filing as a write-in. As only the incumbent had filed in three of those four races, those candidates will be declared the winner and it is expected that the elections in those districts will be canceled. There is no reason to spend money to hold an election where there is no legal way to change the inevitable results.
 
District 1 was one the three with one candidate filing. I filed to run for a final term a couple weeks ago.
 
I appreciate the support and advice that I receive from District 1 residents and I'm extremely proud to be able to represent our district. Our city faces many challenges—all amplified during these hard economic times—but our district favors above the average in most categories. District 1 residents are active in the city as volunteers and leaders.
 
I hope that many residents will start considering possibly succeeding me in two years as our representative. One of the main purposes of this blog has been to inform residents on the issues facing the city with the hope that our next representative could move behind the dais well prepared to advance our city.
 
I have made every attempt to mentally approach this position on a case-by-case basis with no thoughts to being re-elected or any political or personal considerations, but rather to make principle-based decisions. I have not made a single vote with the thought of protecting my political future or personal gain. Perhaps counter-intuitively, that attitude and approach has now been entrusted with three consecutive terms. I've always felt that we all want representatives that will just do what is in the best interest of the city, will protect our rights, and will keep us fiscally healthy. I've not seen anything that pursuades me differently.
 
My last term will be exactly like my others: I will make decisions exactly the same way and will work for the same advances for our city.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to apply my experience and knowledge toward solutions for the city. It is a very satisfying; I highly recommend you consider it.