Cherokee Tribune – Local officials facing election decisions soon

City elections are coming up this fall in several of the municipalities around Cherokee County, and already some elected officials who will see their terms in office expire are making the decision whether or not to seek re-election.

Canton City Clerk Susan Stanton said Tuesday that several seats on the City Council are up for re-election this year.

Canton has three wards, each with two seats on the council. This year, one seat from each ward will be up for re-election, Stanton said. The mayor’s seat is not up this election cycle.

Councilmen Bob Rush of Ward 1, John Beresford of Ward 3 and Bill Bryan of Ward 2 will be among those whose terms will expire, Stanton said.

Rush said Tuesday that he has decided not to run again.

Canton resident Sandy McGrew announced last week that she would be going after his seat.

McGrew said Tuesday that she hopes to help Canton get out of debt and bring “smart” growth to the city.

Bryan has made public multiple times that he has no intention of seeking re-election.

Beresford said Tuesday that he is still considering whether or not he’ll run again.

Stanton said qualifying for Canton elections will be from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30.

Applicants will pay a $65 fee to throw their hat in to the election, which is to be conducted Nov. 5, Stanton said.

In Woodstock, the seats for mayor and Wards 1, 3 and 5 are up for election this year, according to Rhonda Pezzello, city clerk.