This is the final day for candidates to file petitions for Mayor and City Council in both Salem and Centralia. The election will be held next April.
One additional candidate filed for Salem City Council after the opening day for filing last Monday. Former Councilman Jacob Hockett would like to return after falling just short of election two years ago. Hockett said he enjoyed his past time on the city council even though many activities had to be curtailed by COVID-19.
“I would really like to get involved with the soccer complex regardless where it ends up being built, I would like to see that happen. And other than that, just try to attract more businesses to town to give people more opportunity.”
Hockett is the Plant Manager at Safe Sheds in Salem and is current chairman of the Tourism Commission. Other candidates filing earlier were incumbent Mayor Nic Farley and council candidates Jeff Baldridge and Neal Cannon.
In Centralia, an additional candidate for city council also filed last week after the first day of petition filing last Monday. Isreal ‘Izzy’ Fontanez ran unsuccessfully for city council two years ago and wants to try again. He likes the current direction of the council including the current study of construction of a new outdoor pool in Fairview Park.
“I’m one of the co-chairmen for the non-profit Mission Centralia. We build ramps for the disabled and elderly who can’t get in and out of their house, we do it for free. I am Executive Chair of the board for the Youth Center now. I just got that position. I have coached football, basketball and helped out with wrestling.”
Fontanez is a city carrier for the US Postal Service in Centralia. Those filing earlier were Incumbent Mayor Bryan Kuder and Barri Allen for City Council.
Both Salem and Centralia City Halls are open until five Monday afternoon to accept the filing of petitions. Those who file between four and five Monday afternoon will be in a lottery to determine the last to appear on the ballot.
