Independent Candidate to Force June 2 Election

By David Johnson
The CNL

Voters will go to the polls in Cleveland on May 5 to elect new city officials in the Democratic primary.

But for the first time in the history of a city that has towed the line as Democrats, there will be a general election held on June 2.

Attorney Kirkham Povall, a candidate for alderman in Ward 4, confirmed to The Cleveland News Leader last week that he will qualify as an independent.

"I will file as an independent," Povall said. "I'm just finalizing my petition."

Businesswoman Debbie Holder has qualified as a Democrat in Ward 4.

"In the past everyone has run as a Democrat," said municipal clerk Wendy McClain. "This will be the first time it has ever happened. To my knowledge, we've never even had a run-off in Cleveland."

As of Friday at 5 p.m., Povall had yet to turn in his 50 signatures of registered voters in Ward 4, which is a requirement to run as an independent. He has, however, announced his candidacy in both Cleveland newspapers.

If only Povall and Holder qualify for the Ward 4 race, Holder will get a free pass out of the May 5 Democratic primary. Povall would not appear on the May 5 ballot. The Ward 4 seat would not be decided until almost a month later.

Things seem to have settled down at city hall after an early rush of qualifiers. McClain said Friday no new candidates filed paper work last week.

In Ward 1, alderman Maurice Smith remains unopposed.

In Ward 2, newcomers Robert Sanders and Mary Carter are the only filers for the seat that was held by alderman Norman Burke. Burke passed away Saturday after a lengthy illness.

Danny Abraham and Kevin Cox remain the only candidates in Ward 3, a seat being vacated by current alderman Billy Nowell's campaign for mayor.

In Ward 5, Danny Barfield is the only qualifier at present. Incumbent alderman Paul Janoush has stated in the media that he intends to run for re-election but has not filed qualifying papers.

Incumbent Ted Campbell is unopposed in Ward 6.

At-large alderman Gary Gainspoletti also remains unopposed.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on March 6 to file their qualifying papers at city hall.