3-way race may develop for Joplin City Council

Jan. 9—A three-way race for general seats on the Joplin City Council may develop for the April 2 election.

Two candidates have filed required signatures for nominating petitions for the two seats. They are incumbent Keenan Cortez and Joshua Bard. A third, Natalie Klue-Mitchell, has submitted petitions.

City Clerk Holly Nagy said she anticipates that Klue-Mitchell's signatures will be verified Wednesday. She then can sign a declaration of candidacy.

There are two unopposed candidates for zone seats.

The incumbent in Zone 2, Charles "Chuck" Copple, is certified for candidacy. In Zone 3, Ryan Jackson is unopposed for the seat currently held by Phil Stinnett, who did not run again.

Another resident, Doris Carlin, is certified to be listed on the ballot for the unexpired two-year term of Kate Spencer, who resigned last month. The seat is currently filled until the election by Anthony Monteleone, a former council member who was appointed by the council for temporary service.

Because no one else filed for the unexpired term, Carlin will be unopposed.

Candidates must obtain 150 signatures of Joplin residents who are registered voters to become certified. For zone seats, half of those signatures must be from residents of the zone.

The deadline for candidates to submit the signatures for the election was 5 p.m. Tuesday.