The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Five of seven Crested Butte seats up for election
People thinking about running for the Crested Butte Town Council have a little more than two weeks to make a decision. Petitions can be picked up at the town offices between now and August 24, when they have to be completed and returned.
There are four council seats and the mayor’s position up for election. Three of the council seats are for four-year terms, while one is for two years. The mayor must run every two years.
“All the council seats are at-large positions,” explained Crested Butte town clerk Eileen Hughes. “Whoever comes in fourth for the council election will get the two-year term.”
Petitions must be returned with ten signatures from people registered to vote in the town. Hughes suggested that each potential candidate obtain at least 20 to ensure they have the correct number of valid signatures. To run for the council, a person must be a U.S. citizen, must be a registered voter in town at the time the petition is submitted and must have been a resident of Crested Butte at least one year immediately preceding the November election.
“We have a packet of information that we give out with the petitions,” said Hughes. “The packet explains the role of the council and gives an overview of the town to give candidates more insight into the job.”
Hughes also held an informational meeting on the council job in mid-July. Seven people potentially interested in running for office attended that meeting. As of Tuesday evening, no one had picked up a petition.
The Town Council election ballot is coordinated with the county’s mail-in ballot. Ballots will be mailed in mid-October. November 3 is the official election day. Petitions must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24 to Hughes at the town clerk’s office.
