So far two candidates qualify for Commissioner’s ballot

So far, two candidates have qualified to be on the ballot for a special election Tuesday, Jan. 15 to select a new Commissioner of the Revenue, and at least one more is expected next month.

According to Pulaski County Registrar Kathy Webb, interim Commissioner Donna Gray has qualified as the local Democratic Party’s nominee, while Kim L. Matthews has qualified as an independent candidate.

Aaron Smith, Unit Chair of the Pulaski County Republican Party told The Patriot this week the party will hold a mass meeting on Nov. 8 to select its nominee.

Former Commissioner Trina Rupe passed away suddenly on Aug. 29.  At the request of the county, the Pulaski County Circuit Court scheduled the special election to choose a new commissioner who will fill out the rest of Rupe’s four-year term which ends Dec. 31, 2019.

Another election will be held in November 2019 to select the county’s Constitutional officers – Commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff, treasurer and commissioner – meaning the winner of the Jan. 15 special election will face another race in November should they decide to seek election to a full four-year term.

Others wishing to qualify as an independent candidate in the Jan. 15 special election still have time to do so.  November 16 is the deadline to qualify as a candidate, which requires 125 qualified signatures.  Webb has candidate packages with all the details available at the Registrar’s office in the Maple Shade Plaza in Pulaski.

By MIKE WILLIAMS, The Patriot