Candidate pulls out of school board race, says incumbent should stay | News

Two school board races materialized amongst Cherokee County’s 11 districts throughout this election cycle, however a candidate in a single contest has withdrawn as a result of he does not wish to unseat the present workplace holder.

Dave Butts would have gone head-to-head with incumbent Cody Quetone for Tenkiller School’s seat No. 2 in the course of the major election, set for April 4, 2023. However, Butts advised the Daily Press hat he will likely be withdrawing from the race, as he initially believed he was campaigning for a unique seat on the three-member board of the K-8 school,

“I feel Cody Quetone, who currently holds the seat, does a great job, and he is good for the school,” Butts mentioned. “I look forward to running next year.”

Cherokee County Election Board Secretary Tiffany Rozell mentioned the timeframe for withdrawal was Dec. 8-9.

“Since the Tenkiller School [would go] to the primary in April, [Butts] had time to pull out, but he just needed to wait until after the withdraw period for February,” Rozell mentioned.

Because there have been solely two candidates who filed for the No. 2 seat, the election mechanically was set for April balloting.

“He has time to pull out and so he won’t even be on the ballot,” Rozell mentioned.

Butts formally withdrew from the race on Wednesday, Dec. 21, which means Quetone will retain his seat with out opposition.

Rozell mentioned if Butts couldn’t withdraw, and had remained on the poll and received the seat, he may have advised the school board he didn’t wish to serve and withdraw at that time. The school board would have then appointed somebody for one 12 months. At that time, Rozell mentioned, Quetone would have nonetheless been seated, and the opposite two board members may have both appointed him for one more 12 months, or chosen another person.

“They would have that seat and the next seat available for filing next year,” Rozell mentioned.

The sole remaining race will pit Cory Beights towards Bobby Musgrove for the Keys School District No. 3 seat. Beth Bailey, who has served on the board for a number of years, determined to not run.

Candidates within the different 11 school districts in Cherokee County will likely be seated uncontested; they’re all incumbents and weren’t challenged. Those are: Dana Eversole, Tahlequah, Seat 3; Jay Myres, Briggs, Seat 1; Michael Lynn, Grand View, Seat 3; Danny Shoemaker, Norwood, Seat 2; Eric Lamons, Hulbert, Seat 3; Jennifer Jones, Lowrey, Seat 3; Tammy Lyons, Peggs, Seat 1; and Lea Arnall-Sheets, Shady Grove, Seat 1.