Hull council seat attracting no interest

The vacated spot at the city council table will remain unoccupied until at least this summer after no one sought to qualify for a March special election to fill the opening.

“All we can do is try,” councilmember Becky Elkins said. “Just keep trying, and maybe someone will pick up on it.”

The city will hold another special election June 16 in hopes that least one candidate emerges.

The Hull’s governing body has operated as a four-piece ever since Paul Elkins resigned his council seat in September for a successful bid for mayor.

The city called a special election for March 17 to fill his position, but generated zero interest during February qualifying.

Council member Wayne Melton suggested a more aggressive approach this time to lure candidates.

“It looks like we’re going to have to get out and beat the bushes to find somebody,” he said.

Paul Elkins suggested posting qualifying dates for the June election — which have yet to be determined — on the Hull Volunteer Fire Department “arrow” signs, noting the visibility there.

“There’s a terrific amount of traffic that comes up the road here,” he said.

City attorney Pat Graham suggested a letter campaign, notifying all registered voters in the city via mail in hopes of spurring interest.
“The important thing is that you get it out to all of them,” he said.

The city plans to have a draft of this invitation to registered voters ready by its next meeting.

“We’ll give it a try, and if we’re successful, everybody will be copying us,” Paul Elkins said.