Special Election set to fill Commissioner’s post

A date has now been set for a special election to fill the post of Commissioner of the Revenue in Pulaski County.

According to Pulaski County Registrar Kathy Webb, the county requested the Circuit Court set a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner Trina Rupe, who passed away suddenly on Aug. 29.

The Circuit Court issued a Writ of Election on Sept. 13 and set the special election date for Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019.

The winner of the special election will complete Rupe’s four-term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2019.

According to Webb, citizens interested in seeking the job of Commissioner have two ways to get on the ballot for the special election. She said they can be nominated by a political party or they can get on the ballot as an independent by securing 125 qualified signatures.

Webb noted candidate packages for those interested in running are available now at the Registrar’s Office in Pulaski. The deadline to qualify as a candidate is Nov. 16.

Rupe had worked in the Commissioner’s office since 2002. When Jack Gill decided in 2007 not to seek re-election to a second term, Rupe – a Democrat – ran unopposed and became Commissioner in 2008.

She ran unopposed a second time in 2011.

In 2015, Rupe won election to a third term – this time with opposition.  She defeated independent candidate Jim Bell, 3,560 votes to 2,409.

Donna Gray, Deputy Commissioner under Rupe, is currently serving as Interim Commissioner.

By Mike Williams, The Patriot

Pictured: Trina Rupe