By: Tracy Sanders, Vareva Harris & Jeremy Handel
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
With the influx of new residents in Woodruff, the culture of the small town is bound to change. However, the direction and pace of that change will be largely determined by the elected officials who sit on the school board and city council. As such, community members are urging their fellow citizens to consider running for office in the upcoming 2023 elections.
Many residents have expressed concerns about the same individuals holding seats in local government for extended periods, leading to a desire for fresh faces and ideas. With four school board seats, the Woodruff Mayor, and three city council seats up for grabs in November, there is a significant opportunity for new candidates to step up and make a difference.
Those interested in running for the school board in District 4 must obtain 120 signatures of qualified electors in their district by noon on Monday, July 17, 2023. There are no filing fees for school board candidates.
For the city council seats, the positions available include ward one, ward three, and ward five. Candidates must reside in the ward they are applying for, and those running for mayor must live within Woodruff city limits. The municipal filing period runs from noon on August 1, 2023, to August 15, 2023. Filing fees for Woodruff mayor and council are $25 each, and candidates must pay the fee to the City Clerk and provide proof of payment when filing their paperwork with the Voter Registration Office.
With so much at stake for the future of Woodruff, now is the time for community members to step up and shape the town’s direction. Whether it’s by running for office or supporting candidates who align with their values, every citizen has a role to play in building a brighter future for this growing community.
Author: Tracy Sanders
