Two Dallas Races Set To Be Contested

Voters in Dallas are set to have some choices to make this November.

After the first day of qualifying, two races so far are set to be contested in Dallas, while no race in Hiram saw the qualifying of more than one candidate.

In Dallas, Marvin Tingler is set to challenge incumbent Boyd Austin for the mayor’s job, while the race for the Ward 4 council seat so far is between Jim Henson and Brian Ragsdale; Frank “Bingo” McTyre currently represents Ward 4.

According to Dallas City Clerk Sarah Ruff, others who had qualified for the city’s Nov. 8 election as of Monday afternoon are incumbents James Kelly for councilmember at large and Mike Cason for Ward 2 councilmember—neither is being challenged following the first day of qualifying.

In Hiram, interim Mayor Jack Paris filed his paperwork to seek a full four-year term as mayor, while Kathy Bookout qualified for the Post 2 council seat.

The two were the only ones to qualify by Monday afternoon, according to Hiram City Clerk Terri Graham. That leaves the Post 1 council seat so far up for grabs; retired council veteran Alvin Sims is serving as Post 1 councilman, filling the remainder of Paris’ term after he and Sims following the June .

Helena Williams, currently in the Post 2 seat, had not filed paperwork to run for re-election as of Monday afternoon.

The list of candidates is unofficial until certified following Wednesday’s filing deadline.

In Dallas, qualifying fees are $300 for the office of mayor and $150 for any council seat, and those seeking to be put on the ballot will have until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to qualify during normal business hours at the Dallas City Hall, 129 E. Memorial Drive, Dallas.

Over in Hiram, qualifying fees are $270 for the office of mayor and $90 for each of the council seats. Those wishing to get on the ballot will be able to qualify through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (though the office will close for lunch each day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.) at Hiram City Hall, 217 Main St., Hiram.

Those running for office in Hiram must reside within the incorporated city limits and must have resided in the city for at least 12 months prior to the time of election. Candidates must also be at least 21 years old.