Fifth Ward Councilwoman Nauser to run for re-election

By JACOB STOKES

November 6, 2007 | 5:29 p.m. CST

COLUMBIA — Incumbent Fifth Ward Councilwoman Laura Nauser has said she will run for re-election in April 2008.

Although Nauser has not turned in her paperwork — she cites a desire to allow the city clerk’s office to process the petition calling for a repeal of the smoking ban — Nauser said she has finished the paperwork and obtained the necessary signatures to file.

Nauser, a local real estate closing officer, was elected to the council in 2005 and is finishing her first term. No other candidates have announced their intentions or filed with the city clerk’s office to run for the seat.

Meanwhile, the First Ward has six candidates all vying for a council seat. They include incumbent Almeta Crayton, John G. Clark, Sal Nuccio, Marlon Jordan, Karen Baxter and Paul Sturtz.

To apply to run for a council seat, candidates must get 50 signatures from voters in their ward who are eligible to vote for them. A voter can sign a petition only for one candidate. Candidates have until late January to file.