February 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Municipal Election will be Thursday, August 6 and already potential candidates are showing an interest in running
Monday, February 3 was the first day persons could pick up qualifying petitions for the city election.
The election commission issued four petitions Monday.
Incumbent Aldermen Shawn Jacobs and Danny Washer will seek re-election and two newcomers, Jessica Higgins and Timothy John Perricone are planning to get in the race. The qualifying deadline is noon on April 2.
Three aldermen will be elected in August including the positions currently held by Jacobs and Washer and another incumbent Alderman Donnie Crook. Jacobs was first elected to the council in 2009 and Washer came on board after his first election in 2011. Crook was appointed by the aldermen in 2018 to fill the unexpired term of former alderman Josh Miller who was elected mayor that year. Although he has not yet obtained a petition, Crook has signaled that he may seek election as alderman
All terms are for four years.
The City of Smithville has five aldermen and a mayor but they do not all run for election in the same year. Three aldermen will be elected this year. The other two aldermen and the mayor were elected in 2018 and will be up for election again in 2022.
Perricone is a former local businessman and Higgins is also active in the community.
Higgins released the following formal announcement.
“Jessica Higgins is the first candidate to announce her candidacy for Alderman to serve on the Smithville City Council. As founding member of Art Revolution, current Marketing Director for Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, and owner of Nature’s Main Street, Jessica understands the role of the arts and crafts for community and economic development. Jessica currently works for Center Hill Realty as Marketing Administrator, Licensed Assistant and REALTOR®. Jessica wants to use her experience in marketing arts and business to expand the development of Smithville. One project in particular that she would like to promote is to make downtown more user friendly for people with disabilities.
Jessica is married to Chris Higgins. They have shared the joy of parenting Eleonore, Karleigh, and Amelia Atnip. Jessica and Chris also delight in time spent with Chris’ grandchildren. Cooking for friends and family is one of Jessica’s favorite things to do whenever she is given the opportunity.
Jessica’s work in the arts and crafts and business has taught her that any goal can be achieved if we are willing to think creatively to achieve it. As Alderman, Jessica wants to work with the council and citizens to build on the city’s already numerous accomplishment”.