By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The City of Ramona has a full slate of candidates for the upcoming election, including mayor and five council members. A new ordinance adopted by the council provides for staggered terms starting with this year’s election. The mayor and top two council vote getters will serve three-year terms. The other three council members will serve two years.

Mayor Byron Noeth is stepping down and council member James Thompson has filed to take his place.

Thompson and his family moved to Ramona in 2003. He raised five children on his own after his wife was killed in 2004.

Thompson filled a vacancy on the council before being elected to serve a full term.

“Byron was stepping down, and no one was stepping up,” Thompson said in explaining his decision to run for mayor. “You lose a little power because you can’t vote except in case of a tie, but I want to see meetings run a little smoother. I think I can bring a bit of organization to the meetings.”

He said he knows it’s a thankless job, but if he wins the election, he plans to attend a seminar provided for mayors by the Kansas League of Municipalities.

Council members Arthur Stroda and Benjamin Calvert have filed for re-election. New candidates are Jayme Brunner, Mark Lockhart, and Rohani and Billy Alcorn.

“We are fortunate that we consistently have people who are willing to serve,” said longtime city clerk Jessica Gilbert. “It takes courage to step up and try to make a difference. It takes courage to serve. Engagement is what keeps us strong in our small towns.”

The story in Lincolnville is the opposite of Ramona. The mayor and two council positions are up and no one has filed. The city will rely on write-ins to fill those positions.