Political battlefield shaping up in Afton

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Election fever is starting to grow in Afton, and the political battle lines are being drawn.

Bob Dickie, an attorney and an Afton resident of 24 years, was the first to tip his hand last week, declaring his intention to file for the mayoral race on Monday, Aug. 18.

Julia Welter, the current mayor of Afton, announced in February her intention to step down from office at the end of her term and will not be seeking re-election.

As yet, no other candidates have stepped forward for the mayoral race, but vacancies are also becoming available in Afton wards one and four, currently served by Nick Mucciacciaro and Randy Nelson.

Speaking last Tuesday, Aug. 19, Mucciacciaro said he would not run again in this election. Nelson said he had yet to decide whether to run or not.

Filing for the election opened Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Afton City Hall. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 to file their applications with the interim city administrator.

Dickie, the mayoral candidate, said he was running on a platform of bringing together the various sections of a community “known recently for its divisive politics and landowner lawsuits.”

He pledged, “I am not a member of any group or faction. I’m not a ‘Hatfield or McCoy.’ What I am is a person who cares deeply about our community.”

Dickie added he would offer the use of his bulk mailing permit to any candidates running against him for mayor, and would mail any opponents’ literature to residents along with his own.

He also said he would share equally with opponents any financial contributions received by his campaign, saying he wanted to take money and personal attacks out of the equation.

Are you running for office in Afton? E-mail your profile and contact details to Lernewein@woodburybulletin.com or call at (651) 730-4007.

Tags: news, afton, election, mayor, race, applications, council