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Nov. 3 elections shaping up to be competitive in many cities
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Candidates emerged for the Nov. 3 elections in cities across Hall County on Wednesday, with four-way races set in Gainesville and Lula.

Clermont, meanwhile, has one seat without any candidates, with officials trying to determine how to fill that post.

Here’s a look at the contested races:

  • Lemuel Betancourt, Barbara Brooks, Andre Cheek and Montine Whelchel Smith are vying for the Ward 3 seat on Gainesville City Council being vacated by Myrtle Figueras.
  • Zack Thompson faces Emory Turner for the Ward 2 on Gainesville City Council being vacated by Bob Hamrick.
  • Mike Mauldin will face incumbent Sammy Smith in the Gainesville City Board of Education’s Ward 5 race.
  • Oakwood Council Post 2 has two opponents, newcomers Charles James and Pat Jones. The seat was most recently held by Ron McFarland, who resigned earlier this year.
  • In Lula, District 1 incumbent Larry Shuler faces three challengers: Victoria Chambers, Vince Evans and Felton C. Wood Jr.
  • Jimmy McDonald and Joe McGoogan face each other for one of two at-large seats on the Clermont Town Council.

Wednesday was the last day of qualifying in Clermont, Gainesville, Lula and Oakwood.

Incumbent Ruth Bruner is the lone candidate for Gainesville City Council’s Post 5.

Newcomer John Filson is unopposed in his bid for the Ward 2 seat on the Gainesville City Board of Education currently held by Maria Calkins. Incumbent Willie Mitchell is unopposed for Ward 3.

In Lula, incumbent Garnett Smith is unopposed for District 4 and incumbent Lamb Griffin, District 5, also faces no opposition.

Incumbent Oakwood City Councilman Todd Wilson is unopposed for Post 3, and newcomers Dwight Wood and Sheri Millwood are the lone candidates for posts 4 and 5 currently held by Martha Collins and Montie Robinson, respectively.

Incumbent Eric Thomas is the lone candidate for Ward 1 on Clermont Town Council.

Seth Weaver is unopposed as the other at-large candidate, as the North Hall town goes to a ward system, where council members still would be elected at large but four of the five council members would have to live in specific voting wards.

Town Clerk Sandra Helton said she would need to check with officials, including Mayor James Nix, on how to proceed with filling the Ward 2 seat, which is now held by John Brady.

Qualifying ends Friday in Flowery Branch and Gillsville races. No candidates qualified for those seats Wednesday.