Chandler withdraws petition

An incumbent city council member has reportedly withdrawn her petition to re-file for her seat on the council in the upcoming November general election.
In a letter obtained by The Helena World from H-WH Council Member Eddie Clark, Lakesia Chandler wrote City Clerk Sandi Ramsey her intentions to rescind her petition. The typed letter appears on a letterhead with Chandler's name.
Chandler was one of eight candidates for city council positions that filed May 21 as the result of an apparent “bogus” document that called for the change in the filing date for municipal offices. The others filing on May 21 included LaSalle English, Kafreda Reynolds, John Huff Jr., Andrew Bagley, Larry Brown, Monica Davis, Don Etherly, Marvin Jarrett and Christopher Franklin.
Besides Chandler, Brown, Davis, Etherly, Jarrett and Franklin were incumbents. Reynolds is a member of the County Clerk Office staff. Council members Eddie Clark, Daniel Strickland, Joe St. Columbia and Jay Hollowell said they were unaware of any changes in the filing period initiated by the council.
State law says municipal candidates must file between July 27 and Aug. 17 and any change must be made 90 days before the filing deadline. No evidence was found determining that any council action was taken. On July 13, Circuit Judge Richard Proctor ordered the July through August filing deadline be honored.
Phillips County Clerk Linda White told the Helena World that Franklin hand delivered the alleged “fake” document to her. The document includes a file stamp from White's office showing its May 21 filing. Franklin confirmed that he delivered the document to White, claiming it was a legitimate ordinance. He reported that another council member advised him where the document was located but he did not reveal the name of that council member, as either a past or present member.
In the letter Chandler states, “After reading the newspaper this afternoon (Friday), which states there are strong possibilities of federal charges for filing early in May 2012 I have decided to remove my petition by a written letter and signed by me on today to the county clerk's office.”
City Attorney Chalk Mitchell reported that the person or persons responsible for filing the faked document could face felony charges.
“Whoever did this has complete disregard for the rights of the citizens to participate in the electoral process,” he said.
“I hope there has not been any reproach that I have caused this city, if so I deeply apologize,” stated Chandler in the letter. “I made my filing date early in May because I was told by an individual that it was time for me to file, not having the knowledge that it was not time for me to file until July 27 through Aug. 17 by noon.
“I am withdrawing in this position effective immediately for the sake of constituents accusing me of illegal actions for this upcoming federal election,” she concluded. “I have enjoyed working with all of you and serving this city.”
In a telephone interview Monday morning, Chandler told a Helena World reporter, “It was my understanding that the main petition was voted on by this current body. However, after further review, I learned that the previous council addressed this ordinance in 2010. Therefore at this time, I feel that a lot of things have been misled and I cannot condone nor support these actions. I would like to see things get on an even keel within the council but I feel that at this time there is much confusion that needs to be addressed before I run in the future.”