Monday is the first day of filing for those interested in running for the Ripon City Council.
These are the seats currently occupied by Mayor Jake Parks, Vice Mayor Daniel de Graaf and Councilman Leo Zuber.
Incumbents and qualified challengers can begin taking out papers for the open four-year posts (call Ripon City Hall at 209.599.2108).
Last month, elected leaders gave the go-ahead to the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the general municipal election with that of the statewide general election, determining that no filing fee be charged to candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot.
In the event of a tie, a special run-off election would be held to determine the winner.
Council, if for some reason there are not enough candidates for the post, could take the necessary steps in providing an appointment.
Ripon Unified will also have three openings on the school board for the November election.
Vince Hobbs, representing Trustee Area 2, was a provisional appointment, took over the seat once occupied by Annette Vande Pol, who resigned last September.
The retired Hayward Fire Department — he served as Battalion Chief of Emergency Management and Special Projects, and served on the RUSD Facilities Master Planning Committee — is the current board clerk.
Board President Caroline Hutto and Trustee Christina Orlando also have expiring terms.
Hutto represent Trustee Area 4 while Orlando is the Trustee Area 5 representative.
Since 2016, RUSD made it necessary for those seeking election to the school board seat to reside in their respective Trustee Area.
Call 209.599.2131 or log on to www.riponusd.net for more information.