Last week, the town of Gore's former longtime mayor, Bill M. Summers, contested the filing of James O. Smith, who was the only candidate to file for Ward 4 in the special election.
The election is planned to fill two vacant seats on the board left by Pat Sanders and former mayor Mike Kinnear. Kinnear resigned earlier this year after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In the contest, Summers alleged that Smith didn't qualify to be a candidate because he is not a resident in Ward 4 and is not registered in Ward 4. Summers alleged Smith was registered at his place of business and not his home.
At the Tuesday election board meeting, Kathy Webb, election board secretary, said that Smith had chose not to put up the money to respond to the contest. Because he did not respond, the board voted to strike his candidacy.
"Mr. Smith's name will not appear on the ballot," Webb said.
According to town officials, those who have filed to be candidates include:
- Ward 2: Don Carter and Lewis Warren. Warren is a former county commissioner.
Smith was the only person to file for Ward 4. Since no one filed, the board may choose to appoint someone to fill the spot.
