The Times received notice Monday that Mayor Ron Marsh will be seeking a third term. This is good news because it will make for a compelling test of viewpoints on the city's government and the mayor's role in it.
With Marsh having two challengers - former longtime mayor Bill Ross, and Tyler Schultz - it is a positive development to see a highly contested race for a very crucial position.
Candidates have until Jan. 5 to file nominating papers, a declaration of candidacy and campaign registration statements. Incumbents who are not seeking re-election must have filed notice by Monday.
In Marsh's statement declaring his candidacy, he stated his reasons for running as follows, in part, "... You, the citizens of Monroe, have been fed a continuing diet of information about this administration, which provided you with, in some cases, only (half) the story and at other times information which was incorrect. You all deserve to know the facts and the whole story."
Marsh also said in his statement, "... four years ago this administration made eight commitments to you. We have (met) and surpassed each of those commitments. However, it seemed like, each time we turned a corner we had to take two steps back prior to proceeding and resolve issues created by the past administrations."
That last sentence will create an interesting dynamic in the upcoming race for mayor, as Marsh is facing a man who held his seat for 12 years starting in 1994.
Essentially, Marsh could be seen as blaming Ross for the city's current problems.
Campaign fireworks indeed.
We would like to know what information was incorrect about his administration, and what Marsh said is the truth. Hopefully, all this and more will be discussed in the campaign.
Then, there also is the infusion of youth in this race. Schultz, 25, who has no city government experience, will at least bring a different perspective to a race that involves two other candidates who have held the mayor's office for the last 16 years. His involvement in the race is a welcome development.
Now that Marsh is officially in the ring, this race could shape up to be what we have said it could be - a referendum on the mayor's role in Monroe's government.
On Dec. 1, we wrote, " ... the April 6, 2010, mayoral election will present an interesting contrast for voters that goes beyond choosing between 'former' and 'current.' Ross was a part-time mayor. Marsh essentially is a full-time mayor, though the job remains 'part-time.' Their styles are very different, so much so that Marsh actually has officially been designated the 'go-to' person at City Hall."
The idea voters must chose between the two governing philosophies now will be put to the test in April. Voters also will be given a chance to hear Schultz's new perspectives.
Whoever is elected mayor will have a few tough items to tackle early in his two-year term, including helping the Common Council determine how, or if, to proceed with hiring a city administrator, the possibility of a west-side fire station and the widening of the 8th/9th street corridor; not to mention what one could only imagine will be a very difficult budget process for next year's city budget.
The mayor's race will be interesting to say the least, but the campaign could tell a great deal about the future of the mayor's office and role in city government.
With Marsh having two challengers - former longtime mayor Bill Ross, and Tyler Schultz - it is a positive development to see a highly contested race for a very crucial position.
Candidates have until Jan. 5 to file nominating papers, a declaration of candidacy and campaign registration statements. Incumbents who are not seeking re-election must have filed notice by Monday.
In Marsh's statement declaring his candidacy, he stated his reasons for running as follows, in part, "... You, the citizens of Monroe, have been fed a continuing diet of information about this administration, which provided you with, in some cases, only (half) the story and at other times information which was incorrect. You all deserve to know the facts and the whole story."
Marsh also said in his statement, "... four years ago this administration made eight commitments to you. We have (met) and surpassed each of those commitments. However, it seemed like, each time we turned a corner we had to take two steps back prior to proceeding and resolve issues created by the past administrations."
That last sentence will create an interesting dynamic in the upcoming race for mayor, as Marsh is facing a man who held his seat for 12 years starting in 1994.
Essentially, Marsh could be seen as blaming Ross for the city's current problems.
Campaign fireworks indeed.
We would like to know what information was incorrect about his administration, and what Marsh said is the truth. Hopefully, all this and more will be discussed in the campaign.
Then, there also is the infusion of youth in this race. Schultz, 25, who has no city government experience, will at least bring a different perspective to a race that involves two other candidates who have held the mayor's office for the last 16 years. His involvement in the race is a welcome development.
Now that Marsh is officially in the ring, this race could shape up to be what we have said it could be - a referendum on the mayor's role in Monroe's government.
On Dec. 1, we wrote, " ... the April 6, 2010, mayoral election will present an interesting contrast for voters that goes beyond choosing between 'former' and 'current.' Ross was a part-time mayor. Marsh essentially is a full-time mayor, though the job remains 'part-time.' Their styles are very different, so much so that Marsh actually has officially been designated the 'go-to' person at City Hall."
The idea voters must chose between the two governing philosophies now will be put to the test in April. Voters also will be given a chance to hear Schultz's new perspectives.
Whoever is elected mayor will have a few tough items to tackle early in his two-year term, including helping the Common Council determine how, or if, to proceed with hiring a city administrator, the possibility of a west-side fire station and the widening of the 8th/9th street corridor; not to mention what one could only imagine will be a very difficult budget process for next year's city budget.
The mayor's race will be interesting to say the least, but the campaign could tell a great deal about the future of the mayor's office and role in city government.
