The Emporia City Commission race has lost its only challenger. Mike Mercer has decided not to run for a seat on the commission, although according to city clerk Susan Mendoza, it is too late to remove his name from the ballot.
Mercer filed to run against incumbents Jim Kessler, Julie Johnson and Kevin Nelson for one of the three seats that will be open. No one else filed for the race before the Jan. 27 deadline.
“I have decided not to run for city commissioner this year,” Mercer said in an e-mail. “... Please inform your readers that I am no longer running for a spot on the city commission, and not to vote for me in April.”
Mercer said he chose to bow out of the race because of personal reasons he was not aware of when he filed.
Mercer, a custodian at Emporia State University, was a candidate for the commission in a crowded race in 2007, but lost in the primary.
The election for city commission and school board members will be April 7.
Joe (anonymous) says...
Mr. Mercer thank you for puting your name in the hat for city commissioner. I am sorry that you had some personal issues and I wish you the best. It would have been nice to hear your opinions.
It takes courage to put your name on a ballot knowing that others will criticize you, call you crooked, a collusionist, etc. Even when they do not know you and you, in turn, have never met them.
If you have something positive to say, say it. If you have something constructive to do, do it. If you don't..well try this...(Silence while sitting down)
February 9, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I've never met you Mike but you had my vote. We desperately need the voice of the common working person, maybe next time.
February 9, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I wish I would have talked to Mike before he withdrew from the race, a change is needed. However his name is still on the ballot, so it may give some an opportunity to voice their displeasure with the incumbents. Now I will sit down and be silent.
Steve
February 10, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
demo1957 (anonymous) says...
Emporia has been given a unique opportunity to vote for NONE OF THE ABOVE. To truly show your dissatisfaction show up and vote for only Mike Mercer. If he finishes third or better it would create a vacancy on the board. Normally the commission would just appoint whoever didn't win. But what a slap in the face to the voters of Emporia. So we could get a new face even though not elected but appointed.
February 10, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
I'm surprised that those of you who are so dissatisfied didn't put your names on the ballot.....
February 10, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
justthefacts
I have answered you about this, you shouldn't be surprised.
February 10, 2009 at 11:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )