City Council still has a vacancy
— Trisha Benton
Laurel Advocate
LAUREL — The deadline for new candidates to file for Laurel City Council came and went with no one indicating interest in one open seat.
Mark Koch did not seek another term and his spot remains open while Jeff Erwin filed to retain his seat.
County Clerk Dave Dowling said someone can still campaign as a write-in candidate in the general election this fall. If no one does, the existing council will appoint someone for the vacant spot.
In contrast, candidates showed considerable interest in the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board race. All the incumbents file to retain seats and two new candidates filed as well. Jay Hall, Scott L. Taylor, Daniel Kuhlman, Angela Johnson and Grant Settje filed to retain seats and Bryan Pippitt and Cade Sohler also filed for seats.
From that pool, voters in the general election this fall will choose up to four as the board will intentionally reduce the number of its board members from eight to seven.
Pippitt is a Laurel-Concord alum. With his wife, Megan, he parents two young boys, Owen, 2, and Oliver, 1.
“I want to run for school board to ensure the future of Laurel-Concord-Coleridge not only for my children but for generations to come,” he said.
In general, Laurel and Coleridge voters will see several statewide candidates filling the primary ballot on May 10 including the primary race for governor, U.S. House, and attorney general among others.
Mark Patefield of Laurel will face off against Keith Kube of Crofton, Robert Johnston of Clearwater and Barry DeKay of Niobrara vying for the District 40 state senate seat vacated by Sen. Tim Gragert.
All county officials filed to retain their seats and are running unopposed except for County Assessor Jeff Curry who did not file for a full term. Becky Dresden has filed for that position and is running unopposed.
The only county contested race for the primary is two county commissioner seats with one that affects Coleridge area voters.
Current Commissioner for District 3 David McGregor faces opposition from Kelly Hammer of Coleridge.
Due to recent re-districting, Coleridge is now a part of District 3.
Look for more information on the 2022 election in the Laurel Advocate as the primary contest grows closer.
