City elections almost over before they begin (Avera resigns)

Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The qualification period for the city elections closed last week, and already the contest is down to only the city clerk/comptroller race.
Out of the five offices that were up for election this year, only the race for city clerk/comptroller drew more than one candidate. The two individuals vying for this office are James C. Griffin and Dr. Vivian “Joy” Hall Royster.
In the four other races, only one candidate stepped forward to seek the office, rendering each automatically the winner by virtue of the lack of opposition.
The four individuals and their respective offices are: Incumbent Monticello Police Chief Fred Mosley, now about to enter his fifth term. Mosley was first elected chief in 2007.
In the race for City Council, Group 3, currently held by Councilwoman Julie Conley, Brian Bachman was the only candidate.
In the race for City Council, Group 4, incumbent John Jones Jr. is unopposed, assuring his reelection.
And in the race for City Council, Group 5, previously held by Councilman Troy Avera, Katrina Richardson was the only candidate.
There is even a possibility that Richardson may take her seat early, in light of Avera’s abrupt departure. There is, at least, a process in place for the mayor to nominate a replacement, should the latter decide to go that route.
Avera’s resignation occurred on Friday, June 16, leaving the seat vacant. In his letter dated the same date and addressed to City Clerk Emily Anderson, Avera tendered his resignation “effective immediately.”
Serving had been an honor and privilege, Avera wrote, calling his eight years on the council productive and citing as examples of accomplishments the renovations of East Dogwood and Cherry streets and the ongoing project to make the wastewater treatment plant be a solar- generated facility.
“I want to and need to spend more time with my family and grandchildren and to engage in other pursuits,” concluded Avera, who has indicated an interest in pursuing the City Attorney position.
The qualification period for city offices ran from noon Monday, June 12, through noon Friday, June 16. The primary election is set for 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 19.