April 4, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Two term incumbent Smithville Alderman Jason Murphy has had a change of heart and will not seek re-election to a third term in the Municipal Election on August 2nd.
The deadline to get in the race for Smithville Alderman or Mayor is noon Thursday, April 5.
Murphy, who had already qualified to run again, contacted the election commission Wednesday to formally withdraw from the race. He will remain on the town council until his current term is completed on August 31.
While he has enjoyed being alderman, Murphy said he needs to devote more time to his growing business, Optimus Pest Solutions. “ I feel honored to have served the citizens of Smithville for two terms (six years). It has been a wonderful experience,” said Murphy.
Murphy was first elected in 2012 when the terms were only for two years. He was re-elected to a four year term in 2014.
With Murphy’s departure from the race, only two candidates remain to fill the two alderman positions up for election in August. The remaining candidates are Incumbent alderman and local attorney Gayla Hendrix and political newcomer and local attorney Brandon Cox. Hendrix was first elected alderman in 2011 but was defeated for re-election in 2013 when the terms were for only two years. She rejoined the town council after successfully running again in 2014.
Meanwhile, three candidates are now in the race for Smithville Mayor on August 2nd.
Incumbent Mayor Jimmy Poss is seeking his third term. He has served six years. He was first elected to a two year term in 2012 and then to a four year term in 2014. His opponents are Curtis Rust and Incumbent Alderman Josh Miller who is in his second term, having served in that role since 2013. Because he is in midterm, Miller does not have to give up his alderman seat to run for mayor.
Again noon Thursday, April 5 is the qualifying deadline for candidates to run for mayor or alderman in the Smithville Municipal Election on Thursday, August 2.