Council race heats up

With the deadline drawing near to enter into the City Council elections, it is shaping up to be a hotly contested race.

Since Friday, two more Porterville residents have pulled the paperwork necessary to put their names on the ballot — Shawn Cable and Rodney Martin — bringing the total number of potential candidates to nine.

To officially become candidates, they have until 5 p.m. Friday to the turn papers back in, including gathering a minimum of 20 valid signatures of registered Porterville voters.

There are two four-year terms up for election on June 8. The seats are currently held by Mayor Pete McCracken and Felipe Martinez.

The incumbents, along with Jesse Carrillo, Greg Shelton, Edward John Patino Jr., Khris Saleh and John Coffee have also pulled papers from the City Clerk.

The City Council has the authority to levy taxes, pass ordinances and award contracts. It also acts as the Porterville Redevelopment Agency, the Porterville Public Improvement Corporation, the Porterville Public Financing Authority and the Porterville Planning Commission.

Cameron Hamilton, Pete “Pedro” Martinez and Brian Ward’s terms on the City Council do not expire until June 2012. Hamilton and Martinez previously announced their intent to run for the Fifth District Tulare County Board of Supervisors post currently held by Mike Ennis who is also running for reelection.

To be eligible for City Council candidacy, a person must be a resident and registered voter in Porterville, and needs to have resided in the city for at least 30 days preceding the filing of the nominating papers, or equivalent declaration or candidacy, and be a registered voter at the time of filing.

There are no fees associated with filing the papers.

-- Contact The Recorder newsroom at 784-5000, or recorder@portervillerecorder.com.

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