#5 Action on a potential spring primary for City Council on February 21, 2012
CLERK-TREASURER’S OFFICE MEMORANDUM
January 3, 2012
TO: City Council
FROM: Jean Ann Wulf, Clerk-Treasurer
SUBJECT: Action on a Potential Spring Primary for City Council on
February 21, 2012
State Statute 8.11 states that if the number of candidates in a City election
exceeds twice the number to be elected, the governing body may decide whether
to hold a primary. As of the January 3, 2012 filing deadline, 9 candidates have
achieved ballot status for the four City Council seats. The following are the
candidates: Jim Farrell, Matthew Kealy, Billy R. McCoy, Andy Murray, DuWayne
Severson, Angela Smillie, Michael F. Southers, Kathleen Voskuil, and Troy
Zimdars.
If a primary is held on February 21, 2012, the 8 candidates with the most votes
would have their names placed on the April 3, 2012 ballot and the remaining
candidate would no longer have ballot status.
In 2008, we had 11 City Council candidates competing for 3 seats. The Council
voted to hold a primary and 5 candidates did not move forward to the April
election. The Council voted not to hold a primary in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006 and
2009.
The State Elections Board has informed us that a spring primary is scheduled for
February 21, 2012 for Circuit Court Judge. The Clerk-Treasurer’s Office included
funds ($15,250) in the 2012 budget for this primary. The additional cost to the
City to include the City Council race on this ballot would be insignificant.
The City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office requests that the City Council make the
decision on whether to hold a primary for City Council on February 21, 2012.
City Manager Recommendation
Based on the number of candidates who have filed for a Council seat and the
fact that four seats will be elected, I recommend not holding a primary because it
would only eliminate one candidate for the General Election.
cc: Eric J. Levitt, City Manager
Jay Winzenz, Director of Administrative Services
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