Council elections

It's election season, and for those wishing to run in next year's Cape Girardeau City Council election the race begins now.

Council members Loretta Schneider and Mark Lanzotti, representing Wards 4 and 5, respectively, have picked up petitions and are collecting the required 50 signatures from their respective wards to run for re-election. Ward 3 representative Debra Tracy, whose position is also up for election, said she will not seek another term.

Those wanting to run for a ward position may pick up a petition at the city manager's office, which is at 401 Independence St. The filing period is Oct. 25 to Nov. 22. If more than two petitions are submitted for a ward position, the primary election to narrow the field to two will be held Feb. 7.

Qualifications to run for city council are: being a registered voter, at least 21 years old, a resident of the city at least two years before the election and a resident of the ward up for election 90 days before the first filing date, which is Oct. 25.

We thank those who are currently serving for their commitment to public service. We'd also encourage anyone who meets the qualifications, wants to make a difference and has a desire to serve the city in such a capacity to consider running for city council.