With the general election date quickly approaching, candidates are actively promoting themselves as they vie for elected positions. However, one of the four candidates for the Alliance City Council has announced her withdrawal from the election.
Mara Andersen told the Alliance Times-Herald on Sept. 5 her plans to drop out of the race, noting her focus on serving the community through the Alliance Recreation Center.
“Serving this community through the ARC is my highest honor and I remain committed to doing so safely despite COVID-19,” Andersen wrote in a news release. “The ARC reaches every member of our community: every school, every student, every family, every business, every employer. Now is not the time to divide my focus.”
Andersen said she remains dedicated to making a positive change in the community.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but I feel strongly that the best thing I can do for our community is to ensure the ARC overcomes the COVID-19 challenge. Thank you for your votes, your support, and your enthusiasm. Though I will not be your council woman in 2020, I hope you will consider voting for me in the years to come,” Andersen said.
In the primary election, Andersen claimed the third highest number of votes, with a total of 589. John McGhehey received 1,245 votes, incumbent Brian Mischnick received 1,120 votes, and Gary A. Goodell received 477 votes. Incumbent Ryann Reynolds and Travis Turman were eliminated from the race, receiving 190 votes and 457 votes, respectively.
Box Butte County Clerk Judy Messersmith said that Andersen will still appear on the ballot in the general election, alongside McGhehey, Mischnick and Goodell. She noted that the Secretary of State will be sending applications for mail-in ballots to registered voters within the week.