By Jolene Farley
People interested in filing for elected office in Hills, Beaver Creek or Steen have until Tuesday, Sept. 10, to do so.
Filings for city offices opened Aug. 22 and close at noon Tuesday in Hills and Steen and at 5 p.m. in Beaver Creek.
As of Wednesday, Sept. 4, no one had filed in Hills for the two-year mayor seat or for the two four-year city council seats. City clerk Connie Wiertzema said she isn't surprised by the lack of interest.
"That's not unusual. A lot of times, they wait until the last day or two," she said. "They'll think about it and think about it and take that last step and come in."
Jim Jellema, who was appointed after George Langford resigned at the end of 2001, is the current mayor.
Wendell Bengtson and Linus Svoboda currently fill the two four-year council seats. Svoboda was appointed to the council to replace Jim Jellema, who was appointed mayor.
In Beaver Creek, current mayor Al Blank has filed for another two-year term.
No one has filed for the three open seats on the Beaver Creek City Council. Those seats are currently held by Carolyn DeBoer (four-year term), Arlyn Gehrke (four-year term), and Burdell Willers (two-year term).
Willers was appointed after the resignation of Julie Buysse from the council. Gehrke was appointed after the resignation of Arnold Brondsema.
In Steen, Mel Van Batavia has filed for another two-year term as mayor.
Robert Sandbulte, Leonard Otkin and Brad Bosch have filed for two four-year council vacancies.
Current council member Dries Bosch has decided not to run.
Sandbulte was appointed to office after the resignation of Cornie Bosch.
Qualified individuals may file at the city hall in the three communities, or an application signed by at least five voters may be filed on behalf of an eligible person.