If you don't know Spencer Phelps...you will! Spencer is a frequent guest writer for the Marion Star and his writings have been stirring and occasionally controversial. But we are as pleased as can be that Spencer decided to run as a Libertarian in Marion. As Spencer put it last month in an email to me, "Although I plan on running a very unorthodox campaign, I do want to win. Behind the smoke and mirrors, there's a serious "dude" wanting to get elected into local politics. By the way, I've decided to run for City Council President instead. There's another lady in town, Angie Williams, planning on running for City Council At-Large as a Libertarian, and I decided it best that we don't run against each other. That way we can help each other from the comfort of separate races......I'm down for the "real talk." Even though I haven't been elected to an office yet, I know what it takes to get elected in this city. ...."
Spencer included in his email to me a radio spot that ran a few years back when he ran for office that was hysterical!
In case there is any doubt about Spencer's dedication ~ think about this: Spencer was approached by the Republican party who attempted to bribe him with a small campaign contribution in the form of a billboard. Spencer was also assured of not having to face another Republican in the May primary (how they'd legally do that is unknown!)
Not only did Spencer stiff-arm Republican advances, he strung them along until the filing deadline was too close to marshal another candidate. Spencer will be running against the seated Democrat for Marion Council President IN A TWO-WAY RACE!
Here is the Marion Online press release:
Short Ballot For May Election02-20-2009
The deadline for issues and candidates came Thursday and the result is a short ballot on May 5. Because of a lack of inter-party races, the only items on the agenda will be three tax levies.
Pleasant Local Schools will be seeking a 9.5 mill, 10 year emergency levy while Elgin Local Schools will ask voters to pass a .75% income tax.
Marion County Children Services will ask for a 2.5 mill, 10 year replacement levy.
There will be lots of things to vote on in November with the general election, including most of Marion City Council.
In the 2nd ward, it will be Democrat incumbent Ayers Ratliff running against Republican Bryan Potteiger.
The 3rd ward will see long-serving Democrat Mike Thomas against Eric Hines for the GOP.
The 4th ward features Deb Blevins for the Democrats against Nick Clarke and in the 5th ward, John Smith takes on Republican challenger Barry Wallace Jr.
Running for council-at-large are Democrats Imo Crow, Rebecca Gustin, and Sara Babich; Republicans Jason Schaber and Ryan Schertzer, and Libertarian Angela Williams.
Current council-woman Amy Pinnick will not seek reelection.
The Council President race will be between Dave Edwards, the Democratic incumbent, versus Spencer Phelps for the Libertarians.
City Treasurer will also be contested between incumbent Thomas Pannett and Republican challenger Paula Clarke.
Democrat Ralph Cumston in the 1st Ward and Dr. James Gilsdorf in the 6th will run unopposed.
The Marion County Board of Elections will hold a meeting for the certification of candidates on Tuesday, February 24th at 5:00 PM.
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