LAMAR—Registered voters in the city of Lamar began receiving their ballots in the mail this past week. On the ballot is two proposed charter amendments, three council position, and the mayor. In Ward I, only write-in candidate Kirk Crespin remains in the race. In Ward II, incumbent Peter J. “P.J.” Wilson will be joined on the ballot by Gerald “Oscar” Riley. Wilson is currently serving the remainder of a term he was appointed to following the resignation of Mike Bryant in 2007. In Ward III, Keith E. Nidey, Sr. is running unopposed. Roger Stagner is also running unopposed for mayor.

The two charter amendments appearing on the ballot are referred measures from the city council. The first measure seeks to amend the city charter to allow for a mayor-council-city administrator form of government. The city has operated under this form of government since the 1960s, but has not amended the charter to reflect this. Additionally, the measure would streamline the administrative structure of the city, placing the clerk and treasurer under the supervision of the city administrator. Currently both positions report directly to the council.

The second referred measure on the ballot addresses the question of whether the city attorney must either reside in Lamar or have their primary offices located within the city. The measure was referred by the council following its inability to fill the position this past year. In 2007, the voters passed a measure placing these requirements on the attorney position. The measure on the ballot would eliminate these requirements.

Ballots can be either returned to the county clerk’s office through the mail or brought to the clerk’s office weekdays during normal business hours.

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