Lancaster races could be crowded

LANCASTER — Councilman Ken Mann filed nomination papers Monday to retain his seat on the City Council.

He could face a crowded field of challengers, as 11 potential candidates pulled nomination papers for the April 14 election, according to the City Clerk’s office.

Mann, a former Lancaster Planning Commissioner, was first elected to the City Council in April 2008. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2016.

Since nomination packets can be picked up by anyone, the list of potential candidates is not available, only the number of nomination packets picked up. All nomination papers are due by Jan. 17. The filing period will be extended to Jan. 22, if an incumbent does not file by the Jan. 17 deadline.

As of Tuesday, Mayor R. Rex Parris and Councilman Darrell Dorris have not yet filed nomination paperwork to retain their seats.

Anyone interested in running for a seat on the City Council can pick up nomination papers at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 44933 Fern Ave. The terms for mayor and the two council seats are three years, 11 months.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and live within Lancaster’s city limits. Candidates must also be 18 years of age or older and registered to vote within the city at the time nomination papers are issued.

Additionally, candidates cannot be on parole for the conviction of a felony. Candidates are required to pay a $25 filing fee.

The April 14 municipal election will be an all-mail ballot election.