BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Liberty Township Board accepted the resignation of Herman "Jack" Jackson at its regular meeting last Thursday, and five people have filed their declaration of intention to run as a candidate in the April 2 election. Those filing the necessary declaration were Ricky Stearns, Terry Battles, Shelley Edwards McClintock, J. Allen Rowland and Joe Sells. This information was brought to the Stoddard County Commission at its Monday meeting.
Jackson cited health issues as the reason for his resignation. He had already re-filed as a candidate in the April 2 election, so his name will appear on the ballot. County Clerk Joe Watson said last week that any candidate who wished to run as a write-in candidate had until 5 p.m. March 22 to file the declaration.
"The voters of Liberty Township need to decide this election," said Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "It should not be left up to the commission."
If Jackson were to obtain the most votes in the April election, then he would have to resign again, according to Watson. At that time, it would be left to the commission to make an appointment to replace Jackson.
Watson said the election of the township board is set up in such a way that the two candidates receiving the most votes would be elected to the board. Incumbent Ron Ellsworth filed for re-election to the board. If two write-in candidates receive more votes, he would lose his position.
Ellsworth, who was at the commission meeting Monday, said he believed the board election process needed to be changed.
"We need to change it so that everyone coming on it would not be new," Ellsworth stated.
There is also a contested race for township treasurer. Ed Crow and Ken L. Minton both filed for the position, and their names will be on the ballot.
Watson told the commission that a list of eligible write-in candidates for the Liberty Township Board will be provided to voters at the polling place. He said the list would be made available to take into the polling booth if needed.