Nominating petition process begins in Cape Tuesday

The Cape Girardeau City Council will include at least one new member next April.

Ward 1 councilwoman Evelyn Boardman won't seek re-election.

Boardman said she promised voters when she ran for office that she would serve only one term.

"It's been wonderful," she said. "It's a great experience."

Boardman's ward covers the north/northeast part of the city.

"Four years is a long time," said Boardman.

Voters also will elect a mayor and two other council members to four-year terms.

City residents wanting to file for city council can pick up nominating petitions at city hall starting Tuesday.

The filing period begins Oct. 25 and closes Nov. 22.

Mayor Jay Knudtson said he likely will run for re-election to a second four-year term next year, but he said he isn't ready to formally announce his intentions yet.

Besides the Ward 1 seat, the council seats for wards 2 and 6 will be up for election.

Ward 2 councilman Charlie Herbst, who represents the south/southeast part of the city, said he plans to seek re-election.

It's uncertain if Ward 6 councilwoman Marcia Ritter will seek re-election. She is assisting the Red Cross in Louisiana. Officials at city hall said they don't know if she will run again.

Ward 6 covers the west part of the city.

A candidate must be at least 21 years old, a registered voter, a resident of the city for at least two years prior to the election and a resident of the ward for at least 90 days prior to the start of the filing period, said city clerk Gayle Conrad.

A candidate must submit a nominating petition signed by at least 50 registered voters living in his or her ward.

A candidate for mayor can get signatures from voters living anywhere in the city.

If more than two candidates file for any council ward or for mayor, a primary election will be held on Feb. 7.

The general election will be held on April 4.