Several Marlin council positions up for election

The City of Marlin will hold a general election on May 1. There are many positions up for election, including two special elections due to term limits.

The Mayor-at-Large Ballot puts Marlin’s current Mayor, Carolyn Lofton, up against her predecessor, John Keefer. The two have had public tension in the past due to miscommunications between the two administrations, so the race looks like it will shape into just as much of a debate as two years ago. 

Precincts One, Two, Three, Five and Six council positions are up for grabs. Due to the two two-year term limits enacted in 2017, there are few returning names.

Newcomer Sonia Ponce is the only candidate for Precinct One. The nominee spent this past week walking door-to-door and introducing herself to her neighbors in hopes of connecting with the community before the start of the term. She will replace longtime councilman, Scottie Henderson.

Precinct 3 has been aided by Terence McDavid since his election in May of 2017, but his wife Debra A. Levels-McDavid is running to take his place. McDavid is active in the lives of Marlin youth and has previously been on the MISD school board. 

Neddie Lang-Moore is the only returning council member on the ballot. The city advocate was elected to Precinct 5 in 2017 and has been a major part in decision-making processes and discussions throughout her tenure. Moore serves as a Chaplain at the Hobby Unit in Marlin.

Special elections are being held for Precincts Two and Six, with Precinct 6 being the only other race to have more than one person on the ballot. 

Monica R. Washington is nominated for Precinct Two. Washington was previously a Special Education Clerk with MISD under Michael Seabolt. The educator has been actively following the problems in Marlin for a number of years and has voiced that she wants to see things change in her precinct. Washington is set to replace Mayor Pro-Tem Rhonda Milton. 

John Armstrong and Robert Dimmerson Jr. will duke it out for a spot in Precinct Six. Armstrong is the minister at the Church of Christ in Marlin and spends the majority of his time investing himself and his resources into making the community better. Dimmerson and his wife are both active in the community as well, with his wife having run for the MISD board next year. 

With their track records, this year’s election is looking to shape up a great council for the next two years. Election Day is May 1, 2021. Early voting will be Monday, April 19 through Tuesday, April 27. More information will be announced as it is received.