By Jill Fox
At Wednesday’s Parkland City Commission meeting, members of the dais voted unanimously to establish a qualifying period for the November 3, special municipal election for two seats.
Commissioner Stacy Kagan and Commissioner Rich Walker both announced they were running for Parkland mayor after Mayor Christine Hunschofsky decided to run for House Seat 96 after her friend, State Representative Kristin Jacobs succumbed to a three year battle with cancer. This left her seat open, and now leaves two open seats on the commission in November.
Because they resigned early, a special election is deemed necessary, with a separate qualifying period than that of those seats up for re-election.
Commissioner Ken Cutler commended Kagan and Walker for resigning early to allow the city time to fill their seats on the commission.
To save taxpayer dollars, the special election will occur in conjunction with the already scheduled election taking place on November 3.
Commission Seat Qualifying Period
Residents interested in running for Districts 1 and 2 must file and complete the qualifying process between noon on Monday, July 6, 2020, through noon on Friday, July 10, 2020. This includes filling out paperwork and paying city and state fees.
Candidates must also be eligible voters who have resided in Parkland for the last one year.
City Commissioners earn an annual salary of $32,735 plus healthcare $8,333, car allowance $3,600, and phone allowance $600 for a package of $45,268.
Mayor Qualifying Period
For mayor, qualifying begins on Monday, June 22, 2020, at noon and ends on Friday, June 26, 2020, at noon for those interested in running.
The qualifying period for Districts 3 and 4 has ended. Currently, the District 4 candidates are incumbent Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn and Robert Brannen.
Commissioner Cutler was re-elected without opposition for his District 3 seat on Friday, June 12, for his second four-year term.
If you or someone you know has an interest in local government, visit the City of Parkland for more information or contact the city clerk, Alyson Morales, with any questions.
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