Unofficial list of candidates running for Rapid City mayor and city council positions in 2019 released

RAPID CITY — In June Rapid City voters will go to the polls to elect a mayor and council representatives in the City’s five wards. Prospective candidates had until 5 p.m. today to file notarized petitions in order to make the ballot.

The City’s Finance Office has released an unofficial list of the candidates, pending verification of submissions provided by any late filers.

Here is a rundown of the 2019 Rapid City municipal elections:

            MAYOR:  Mayor Steve Allender is seeking a third term as mayor of Rapid City.  He will be challenged by Natalie Stites Means.

WARD ONE:  Incumbent Lisa Modrick is seeking re-election and is challenged by Terra Houska.  Ward One incumbent Becky Drury has one year remaining in her current term.

WARD TWO:  Incumbent Steve Laurenti is not running for re-election.  Candidates seeking the position are Bill Evans and Ramona Herrington.  Ward Two incumbent Ritchie Nordstrom has one year remaining in his current term

WARD THREE:  Incumbent Jason Salamun is not seeking re-election and the open position is being sought by Jeff Bailie, Brittany Richman, Stephanie A. Savoy and Gregory G. Strommen.  Incumbent Ward Three Council member Chad Lewis has one year remaining in his current term.

WARD FOUR:  Incumbent Amanda Scott is seeking re-election to the City Council and will be challenged by Tim Johnson and Lance L Lehmann. Ward Four incumbent John Roberts has one year remaining in his current term.

WARD FIVE:  Darla Drew is seeking re-election to the City Council and will be challenged by Cante Heart. Ward Five incumbent Laura Armstrong has one year remaining in her current term.

This is the first election cycle in which the mayor will serve a four-year term. Council members serve three-year terms.

In both wards three and four, the top candidate in the June 4 election must receive 50 percent plus one vote. If they don’t receive this, the top two choices will compete in a run-off election on Tuesday, June 25.

The City Finance Office says that it will release an official list of the candidates once reviews of petitions and signatures are completed.

In summary, here’s the unofficial list of the candidates by position:

MAYOR:

Steve Allender (incumbent)

Natalie Stites Means

WARD ONE:

Lisa Modrick (incumbent)

Terra Houska

WARD TWO:

Bill Evans

Ramona Herrington

WARD THREE:

Jeff Bailie

Brittany Richman

Stephanie A. Savoy

Gregory G. Strommen

WARD FOUR:

Amanda Scott (incumbent)

Tim Johnson

Lance L. Lehmann

WARD FIVE:

Darla Drew (incumbent)

Cante Heart