LAST-MINUTE FILING PROMPTS PRIMARY IN SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Last-minute filings will mean a primary election in Scott City's second ward for at least one seat on the city council.

Three people have filed for a two-year term in Ward 2, and three have filed for a one-year term in that ward.

On Tuesday, the last day to file, Terry Gettings, a member of the town's volunteer fire department, filed for the two-year term. The seat is currently held by John Rogers, who has filed for re-election. George Moit has also filed for the seat.

Also filing Tuesday was Joe Bles for a two-year term in Ward 3. Bles will face incumbent Ron Oller, who has filed for re-election, in the April election.

The three candidates who have filed for the one-year term in Ward 2 are Edith Davidson, Kenny Holder and J.D. Warren.

Warren, who filed Monday, may not be allowed to run for the seat because he has lived in the city only two months, said City Clerk Nona Walls. City law states a candidate must live in the town for a year before being allowed to run for any city office.

The city council will decide at its Monday meeting whether Warren is eligible to run, Walls said.

The primary election will be held in late February or March, she said. If Warren is not allowed to run, a primary will be needed only for the two-year term in Ward 2.

Bles, 42, said he wants residents of the town to have a stronger voice in city government.

"I think councilmen need to go out and talk more to the people of their wards. I would never vote on a major issue until I consult with the people in my ward," said Bles, who ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 3 seat in 1990 and 1988.

Bles is a native of Scott City and is employed by PR Developers in Cape Girardeau.

Gettings could not be reached for comment.

Filings closed Tuesday with only two candidates for the mayor's seat. Businessman Larry Forhan filed in early December for the seat, and Rodney Holloway, who owns a mobile home park, filed last week. Mayor Shirley Young did not file for election to a second term.

Other candidates for council are LaDonna Phelps in Ward 1, and Terry Johnston in Ward 4. Both are running unopposed.