As the calendar turns to August, the political season will begin to heat up in Peachtree City as candidates have to enter the race during the qualifying period Aug. 26-30.
Voters in November will be filling at least three vacancies: the office of mayor and both the Post 3 and Post 4 council seats. A fourth council seat is also expected to be up for grabs because Councilman George Dienhart will be required by ordinance to give up his Post 2 seat to run for mayor in a crowded field that includes sitting mayor Don Haddix, current Post 4 Councilwoman Vanessa Fleisch, former mayor Harold Logsdon and businessman Ryan Jolly.
When Dienhart qualifies for mayor, he will have to resign his Post 2 seat, which will remain vacant until the election is complete. The winner of the Post 2 seat will be able to take office immediately after the election results are certified and will serve the remaining term of just more than two years.
Several citizens have already announced they will be running for individual seats on council, including Josh Bloom and former police captain Terry Ernst. Candidates for council posts must choose which post they wish to seek, since they are not restricted by a certain geographical district.
With four council seats up for grabs, that leaves Councilman Eric Imker as the only holdover, with potentially a new mayor and perhaps four brand-new rookie council members come Jan. 1, 2014.
This opportunity for change may sit well with some residents who have become disenchanted with the discord and strife that have broken out on occasion among the current council.
Qualifying for the election begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26 and ends at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30.
Candidates must pay a qualifying fee of $270 for mayor and $180 for council.
