Posted: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:00 am
Aaron Falotico has signed up to run for Lebanon City Councilor of Ward I. The seat is now held by Ray Weldon, who is running for reelection.
Falotico, 36, has been a member of the Lebanon Planning Commission since April 2007. He works from his home as a pricing manager for Sam's Club.
Three council positions and the mayor's job are up for election in November. To date, all incumbents will be on the ballot. They are Ken Toombs, mayor; Weldon, City Council Ward I; Rebecca Grizzle, Ward II; and Don Thoma, Ward III.
Jim Beck wanted to run for mayor but was turned down by the city because Weldon is his father-in-law. According to the City Charter, city employees and immediate family members of city employees and elected city officials are not eligible to run. Immediate family members are defined as spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, son or daughter, whether by blood, marriage or adoption.
Beck, Weldon and Mel and Shirlee Harrington are plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the charter restriction on family members running for and serving on the council together.
Beck said at the time his candidacy was rejected that he believed being denied would strengthen his position in the lawsuit.
The deadline for filing as a candidate for a city council or the mayoral position is 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15. Candidates must be registered voters who have lived in Lebanon continuously in the six months immediately preceding the election. Council candidates must live in the ward they want to represent. For more information, anyone who is interested in running should contact city clerk Linda Kaser at 258-4264 or at City Hall, 925 Main St.