Who’s ready to run?

Five seats between the Cleveland City Council and Helen City Commission are up for election this year – and most of the incumbents have indicated they will run for another term.

Qualifying periods for both cities will open Monday, Aug. 19. Anyone interested in running for office will need to formally register during that week.

In Cleveland, seats currently held by Mayor Shan Ash and council members Nan Bowen (Ward 1) and Annie Sutton (Ward 2) are up for election. Bowen and Sutton told the White County News they plan to seek re-election. Attempts to reach Ash, who was absent from this past Monday’s city council meeting, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Sutton was elected to the council in 2000. Bowen and Ash began their current terms in 2016.

Cleveland qualifying will open daily beginning Monday, Aug. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. until closing at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23.

Qualifying fees are $138 for mayor and $117 for either council post.

In Helen, terms are expiring this year for two at-large seats currently held by Cinnamon Spurlock and Jeff Ash. Spurlock says she plans to qualify once again, while Ash says he is still considering another run for office.

Spurlock joined the commission in 2016. Ash, who has served in city government in various capacities over the years, is currently in the second of consecutive four-year terms.

The qualifying fee for city commission seats is $35. The qualifying period will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, and will end at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Packets can be picked up during regular business hours at Helen City Hall.

General elections for both cities will be held Nov. 5.