The only local race for a Daviess County courthouse office in the November 6 General Election was on …then off …and now perhaps back on again — but, if so, in an entirely different way.
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Teresa Eaton filed as a Democratic candidate for Daviess County Clerk, to challenge Republican Ronetta Burton who currently serves as county clerk. However, Ms. Eaton failed to file a personal financial disclosure (PFD) form by deadline, and she received notice that her name would not appear on ballots printed for elections to be held in August nor in November.
And yet, an election contest may still occur.
Disqualified as a Democratic candidate, Ms. Eaton has announced plans to file as an Independent candidate for county clerk. She will be seeking signatures to submit a petition on or before July 30 to meet election eligibility requirements as an Independent candidate for the November ballot.
State law requires candidates to file a personal financial disclosure (PFD) form with the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC). The disclosure form was required to be filed by April 10. A grace period through April 17 was also available, though with a penalty. Eaton failed to meet either deadline.
Ms. Eaton signed a form acknowledging receipt of a written notice of her obligation to file a PFD, on March 16.
By RSMo. 105.492, candidates who do not file a personal financial disclosure statement by the close of business on the 21st day after the last day for filing for election must be removed from the ballot.
The PFD is required for political subdivisions with an annual operating budget over $1 million which have a conflict of interest ordinance on file with the MEC requiring candidates to file the PFD, either for the office sought or because the candidate had a business transaction with the county in excess of $500 in the preceding 12 months.
This disclosure filing is also required by the Daviess County Code of Ethics.
Thus, at the moment, current County Clerk Ronetta Burton appears to be unopposed in her bid for the office. Burton, a Republican, was appointed interim county clerk upon the resignation of Vicki Corwin in February. Ms. Burton was officially appointed as Daviess County Clerk by the governor on April 26. She had served as deputy county clerk for five years.
An election race, however, may still develop if Ms. Eaton successfully complies with the necessary steps to be declared as an Independent candidate for the November General Election.
There is only one other political race for a countywide office in Daviess County. This will be among Republicans voting in the August Primary.
Seeking the office of Daviess County Presiding Commissioner are Melvin McFee of Weatherby and Jim Ruse of Gallatin, both on the Republican ticket. They will face each other in the Primary election on Aug. 7.
Incumbents without opposition for their offices in Daviess County are Jane McKinsey, Democrat for Daviess County Recorder; Pam Howard, Democrat for Daviess County Circuit Clerk; Daren L. Adkins, Democrat for Associate Circuit Judge; and Annie Gibson, Democrat for Daviess County Prosecuting Attorney; all of Gallatin.
Republican candidates who have filed for township committeeman and committeewoman are as follows: Lucille Dickinson and Joseph Griffin for Union Township; David Michael and Kayla Michael for Grand River Township; Gary Harmison and Betty Harmison for Washington Township; Larry Adams and Amber Adams for Jackson Township; Robert Mazur and Tammy Mazur for Colfax Township; and Ronetta Burton for Salem Township. No Democrats have filed to be township committee persons.