Surprise Candidate Looks to Enter City's Mayoral Race

The Laurel Board of Election Supervisors are expected to vote this afternoon to allow a third candidate to enter the 2011 mayoral election's race in the city.

Kim Rau, clerk to the city council, told Laurel Patch today the board is expected to vote at 4:30 p.m. at the Laurel Municipal Center on whether or not Valerie Cunningham, a former District 1 Prince George's County Council candidate, met the candidate filings that would qualify her for the office.

The city had set a Sept. 6 deadline for candidates to file for office in time for the Nov. 1 city elections, including council candidates and mayoral candidates.

Rau said that Cunningham had filed before the deadline but uncertainty with voter signatures required for her candidacy was not resolved before the deadline and subsequent announcement of candidates. Rau said that all voter signatures for Cunningham's application had now been verified clearing the way for this afternoon's vote.

A rush of last minute filings for candidates is making the 2011 election one of the most contentious in years.

So far, Mayor Craig A. Moe is looking to fend off former Laurel Councilman Michael B. Sarich.

For the at-large council seat, youth activist Adrian Rousseau is hoping to oust Council President Michael R. Leszcz.

In Ward 1, Councilwoman Valerie A. Nicholas is looking to remain in her sear after her . Meanwhile former Councilman H. Eddie Ricks is looking to claim a seat that will be vacated by Janis L. Robison.

There will be no shake-ups in Ward 2, as councilmembers Fredrick Smalls and Donna L. Carry are running uncontested. 

Stick with Laurel Patch for exclusive content on the 2011 Laurel City Election.