Chillicothe’s municipal elections have much interest as candidates vie for open seats in the first and fourth wards and are challenging incumbents for the councilman-at-large and third ward posts as well for the offices of clerk, treasurer and auditor. The city’s municipal primary election is Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The positions of city auditor and fourth ward council will be decided next week while other candidates in contested primaries will be chosen to advance to the April general election. In addition to a few candidate decisions, voters throughout the city will decide whether to extend the half-cent sales tax for permanent streets. Chillicothe voters first approved the half-cent sales tax to pay for construction of permanent streets in 1999. The tax is due to expire in 2011.

The race for auditor — which is on the Democratic ticket — is between incumbent Theresa Gatson Kelly and Wanda L. Urton. In the race for fourth ward councilman — which is on the Republican ticket — James Beaman and Paul Howard are seeking the post being vacated by Pam Jarding.

First ward has the greatest interest with five candidates — three Republicans and two Democrats — seeking to fill the vacancy of Earle Teegarden Jr., who chose not to seek another term. Republican candidates are Marvin R. Holcer, Carol Sloan and Jerry L. Nibarger. Democrats are Sid Cornell and Bobby D. Zimmer. The top vote-getters of each party will advance to the general election.

Other general election contests are: incumbent Councilman-at-Large Darrel V. Rinehart Jr., a Democrat, who is being challenged by Libertarian Jeff Foli; incumbent Third Ward Councilwoman Donna Preszler, a Republican, who is being challenged by Tom Douglas; incumbent City Clerk Rozanne “Roze” Frampton, a Democrat, being challenged by Republican April Locke; incumbent Treasurer Sherry Parks, a Democrat, who is being challenged by Republican Laieloni Knouse.

Uncontested city candidates are incumbents Mayor Chuck Haney, City Attorney Adam L. Warren, Second Ward Councilman Maurice Zion, and Constable Richard L. Knouse.