Jennifer Hicks issued a statement this afternoon. “My last minute decision to be a write-in candidacy emerged from my concern for our ward not having a true choice on Nov 1. I didn’t become a candidate initially because I believe that the work that I do in the community as a member of the diversity group, an active parent at Garnett Elementary, and self employed community development consultant, are the best way for me to make a difference. But now Election Day is near, and I have this strong desire to offer residents in my ward an alternative vote for town council in Chestertown.”
—Jennifer Hicks, Candidate for Chestertown’s Fourth Ward
Marty Stetson says
Why would anyone wait until the last day to do a write in unless they were trying to steal an election. Many of my supporters bellieve I am running un-opposed and will stay home. She can then sneak around and get some write in votes and gain a chance to steal the election I would have loved to have a chance to debate Ms. Hicks on the issues. She wants people to vote for her and then she will tell us what she stands for or against. This way she does not have to do the real work it takes to win an election. I beleve it is a very un-ethical and un-professional way to run for office. This election should not have been a surprise to her and she had ample time to file and to do the right thing and stand before the public. I am sure the League of Women Voters would have included us in the forum they had if they would have known I had an opponent.
Keith Thompson says
Marty,
I’m wondering if Steve Atkinson’s announcement that he was running and then not filing last minute after a family situation, affected the decision of others like Jennifer Hicks from initially filing.
Marty Stetson says
Keith,
If you really feel you have something to offer and you are willing to do the work who else files or does not file should not make a difference. Steve indicated he was not filing sometime ago, Ms. Hicks could have made her intention to run at that time. I really believe the late entry was to catch my supporters off guard. The debate was last Thursday and I would have been glad to have her state her opposion to me at that time. We could have gone on the radio and stated our positions, I talked to Steve and he indicated he would do that if he filed, We agreed to go on together it would have been good so the voters in Ward four would know what we stand for, not have to wait until after the election.
Jennifer Hicks says
My write-in vote effort are for those I spoke to over the past month who said they were sitting out the election today. I want your supporters to get out and vote for you today. They will see this article or you will contact them they will know to get to the polls. I want those who weren’t going to vote in Ward 4 to come out and vote. Anyone can be a write-in. I am offering it as another option.
Marty Stetson says
This will be my last comment on this issue. There is nothing in our Charter that says you are permitted to do a write in. I had not remembered seeing it four years ago when I filed the first time. I went back and checked and there is nothing that would allow it to happen. I checked with the Board of Election and they said this is a town election and we go by town code. You must be certified to file and be put on the ballott. Ms. Hicks could have looked this up by going on line.
MichaelTroup says
I suppose the method is a tad bush league. I also suppose that any write-in vote sends a message.
Billie Beck says
Sends a message OK, probably figured she couldn’t win if the whole ward knew she was running. A lot of us figured we didn’t need to go vote cause Marty would be getting all the votes any how as he’s been doing an exceptional job. If sneaking in at the last minute is the only way a person thinks they can win, it’s pretty sad. Especially when sooooo many in the ward have no clue who the write-in even is!!!!!!!
Frank Geber says
I’ve been to the polls to vote for the 2nd ward candidate of my choice. I noticed that there is a space on the ballot for write in votes. If its not permitted in the charter is shouldn’t be an option on the ballot. I suggest every body get out and vot for whomever the #$%^ they want, regardles of who is on the ballot.