Branson mayor, aldermen filing starts next week

Branson residents will have their chance starting Dec. 14 to submit candidacy applications for mayor and three ward seats, office terms set to expire in April.

Applications may be filed at the Branson City Clerk Lisa Westfall's office, 110 W. Maddux, Suite 205, from Dec. 14 through Jan 18.

The mayor's position and the six ward seats on the city's board of aldermen are subject to two-year terms but can serve as many terms as they are elected for, Westfall said.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley, co-owner of Presley's Country Jubilee, currently is serving her second term.

Branson mayors must be at least 25, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the city during the election and for at least one year preceding the election.

The three wards up for re-election are held by:

• Ward 1 Alderman Bob Simmons, owner of Table Rock Asphalt Construction Co., serving his first term;
• Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Williams, retired Branson city clerk, serving her second term; and
• Ward 3 Alderman Rick Todd, Silver Dollar City senior vice president of strategic planning, human resources and safety, serving his first term.

Alderman seat qualifications include being at least 21, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the city for one year preceding the election and a resident at the time of filing and during the time of service of the specific ward.

All holders have served in their current terms since April 2009, except Todd, who was appointed in April of this year to serve after Stephen Marshall of Chateau on the Lake resigned, Westfall said.

Mike Booth, Ward 1 alderman; Cris Bohinc, Ward 2 alderman; and Rick Davis, Ward 3 Alderman are serving terms set to expire in 2012.
[[In-content Ad]]