Editorial<br><br>Ask the candidates — every single vote does indeed count
The Williams City Council mayoral seat was up for election in addition to three seats on the Williams City Council. Williams Mayor Ken Edes was the sole candidate for mayor. He received 374 votes. Incumbent councilman and vice mayor Bernie Hiemenz received the most votes with 327. Incumbent Pat Carpenter and newcomer John Moore each garnered 303 votes. Incumbent councilman Dan Barnes secured 258 votes while newcomer Ervin White received 147 votes. Since 534 votes were cast and each of the three received more than 267 votes, Hiemenz, Carpenter and Moore have successfully won the three council seats in the primary election. Therefore, it is not necessary to hold a general election in May.
We commend all six candidates for showing their commitment to the community by seeking election. Barnes and White should realize they both possess valuable traits and skills that can be utilized within the community through other venues. We encourage both to continue to be active and vocal citizens in Williams.
What was disappointing about this election is that only slightly more than one-third of those registered to vote actually voted. Not only were the polls open on March 9 from 6 a.m.-7 p.m., but voters had the opportunity to vote through the mail or at Williams City Hall up until March 5. Still, nearly two-thirds of voters in this precinct chose not to vote at all. This demonstrates apathy at its finest since the individuals elected are crucial to the future of Williams. Elected officials on a local level affect the quality of your life significantly.
These officials decide how your tax dollars are spent. They are the ones who ultimately decide whether or not to impose local restrictions that may alter your lifestyle.
For those who really wanted to vote, but were not registered, register now so your voice can be heard in future elections. Registering to vote is easy. Anyone who is a citizen of the United States, a resident of Arizona, a convicted felon whose rights have been restored and any person who is 18 years of age or older prior to the next general election can register. Registration forms can be obtained from the Coconino County Elections office, city hall, libraries throughout Coconino County, some banks, some grocery stores and from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Department.
Once you are registered to vote, you do not have to reregister unless you move from one residence to another, have changed your name or you want to change political parties. For more information, contact the county elections department at (928) 779-6589 or (800) 793-6181.
Registering to vote and then voting is painless. Two of the worst mistakes one can make are first not registering to vote and then failing to vote while registered to vote. Ask the six candidates who were listed on last Tuesday’s ballot. They will tell you every vote does indeed count.
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