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Recalled city councilwomen may run in next election
Months after being recalled by Benson residents, former City Council members Dianne Tipton and Kathy Suagee are considering throwing their hats back into the political arena.
City Clerk Vicki Vivian said the former councilwomen picked up packets to run in the upcoming City Council election during an informational meeting Monday night.
Suagee, who was serving her second term on the council, lost to Jo Deen Boncquet in September. Boncquet had 579 votes, while Suagee finished with 237.
Tipton was defeated by David Lambert in the same election, 595 to 213.
Lambert took over Tipton's term, which is set to expire next year.
Tipton and Suagee were recalled after a controversial year on the City Council.
In the upcoming council elections in March and May, there are four seats up for reelection.
Incumbents Lambert, and Councilwoman Lori McGoffin have already picked up packets to run for reelection, but have not yet turned in the required 33 signatures.
All potential candidates are required to turn in 33 valid signatures from registered voters living inside Benson city limits.
The signatures have to be turned in by Dec. 10, at 5 p.m., at City Hall. Packets to run in the election are also available at City Hall.
Mayor Mark Fenn and Vice Mayor Toney King are also up for reelection, but have not picked up a packet to run for another term. Both have said they are still considering it.
Also picking up packets on Monday were residents Frank Hough Jr. and Tom Fitzgerald.
Vivian said Fitzgerald picked up three packets, stating he would be out recruiting possible candidates.
City Clerk Vicki Vivian said the former councilwomen picked up packets to run in the upcoming City Council election during an informational meeting Monday night.
Suagee, who was serving her second term on the council, lost to Jo Deen Boncquet in September. Boncquet had 579 votes, while Suagee finished with 237.
Tipton was defeated by David Lambert in the same election, 595 to 213.
Lambert took over Tipton's term, which is set to expire next year.
Tipton and Suagee were recalled after a controversial year on the City Council.
In the upcoming council elections in March and May, there are four seats up for reelection.
Incumbents Lambert, and Councilwoman Lori McGoffin have already picked up packets to run for reelection, but have not yet turned in the required 33 signatures.
All potential candidates are required to turn in 33 valid signatures from registered voters living inside Benson city limits.
The signatures have to be turned in by Dec. 10, at 5 p.m., at City Hall. Packets to run in the election are also available at City Hall.
Mayor Mark Fenn and Vice Mayor Toney King are also up for reelection, but have not picked up a packet to run for another term. Both have said they are still considering it.
Also picking up packets on Monday were residents Frank Hough Jr. and Tom Fitzgerald.
Vivian said Fitzgerald picked up three packets, stating he would be out recruiting possible candidates.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Frank Edward Blanchard wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:31 PM:
" It looks like Benson is finally going to have a healthy election
I'm absolutely excited about the two recently ousted council members taking the opportunity to run again for their seats.
Just remember everyone they were right, Benson has had a long hard road and quite a controversy in the last year.
And they had their finger right on the problem right from the first.
Bringing it out to everyone's attention at their own political risk, now it's time to show that people who would do the right thing should be rewarded.
I've personally would like to see as many people as possible running for the positions on the council seats
it would make a healthy environment politically,
and that's what Benson needs is a healthy political environment.
Saying that we need a whole new consul is a bit premature. We all know the voters will decide.
Just remember how easy it was for everyone to vote out the two council members that only had the city's well-being in mind when bringing things to light.
Voters should make their mark for the people that are most qualified for the job and will have the city's concerns a Priority
It is unfortunate that some council members seem not to have the city's interests in the forefront but rather play political dramas out.
I believe wholeheartedly that all the right things will happen in 2009 and Benson will be on the road to the prosperity that she deserves.
Benson has always had a group that thought they could sway and manipulate city business that is nothing new and everyone that lives in town knows it.
I've personally would like to see a lot of new faces running for office, it would certainly send a message that a real change is in order.
So anyone thinking about running please do and join the election process and send a message that it's time for the old school to move out of the way.
Just too many things have happened that there is no explanation for, it's really time for a change.
But I always get excited about elections, the citizens decide and that is truly the way it should be.
So run for office if you have been thinking about it. "
I'm absolutely excited about the two recently ousted council members taking the opportunity to run again for their seats.
Just remember everyone they were right, Benson has had a long hard road and quite a controversy in the last year.
And they had their finger right on the problem right from the first.
Bringing it out to everyone's attention at their own political risk, now it's time to show that people who would do the right thing should be rewarded.
I've personally would like to see as many people as possible running for the positions on the council seats
it would make a healthy environment politically,
and that's what Benson needs is a healthy political environment.
Saying that we need a whole new consul is a bit premature. We all know the voters will decide.
Just remember how easy it was for everyone to vote out the two council members that only had the city's well-being in mind when bringing things to light.
Voters should make their mark for the people that are most qualified for the job and will have the city's concerns a Priority
It is unfortunate that some council members seem not to have the city's interests in the forefront but rather play political dramas out.
I believe wholeheartedly that all the right things will happen in 2009 and Benson will be on the road to the prosperity that she deserves.
Benson has always had a group that thought they could sway and manipulate city business that is nothing new and everyone that lives in town knows it.
I've personally would like to see a lot of new faces running for office, it would certainly send a message that a real change is in order.
So anyone thinking about running please do and join the election process and send a message that it's time for the old school to move out of the way.
Just too many things have happened that there is no explanation for, it's really time for a change.
But I always get excited about elections, the citizens decide and that is truly the way it should be.
So run for office if you have been thinking about it. "
Robert Stout wrote on Dec 4, 2008 9:19 AM: