Flora calls town convention
Two Republicans file for council
Comet staff report

The Town of Flora has called a town convention for Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at the 4-H Community Building at Flora park.

Two Republican candidates, Troy Helderman and Vince Seward, have filed for the position on the town council that will be available Jan. 1. Roger Daugherty, who currently serves on the council, is not seeking re-election.

"I've been interested in town issues for quite some time and feel now is the time to step up and give back to the community," said Seward, 44. "I believe I have the skills necessary to diversify the board and give good input."

Seward, who has resided in Flora for 14 years, is energy manager at Excel Co-op. He and wife, Dawn, have three children.

Helderman, 37, has resided in Flora for eight years. He and his wife, the former Shelly Wiles, have two daughters.

"Flora has been good to me and I want the opportunity to give back for what the town has given me," said Helderman.

Helderman co-owns two Flora businesses, T&M Heating & Cooling and T&M Property Management.

Because there are no Democratic candidates, the Republican candidate who receives the majority vote will receive the party nomination and win the office. Paper ballots will be cast and the vote will be announced that night.

According to town clerktreasurer Joretta Tinsman, to be eligible to vote, a resident must reside within the town limits of Flora and be a registered voter. Political affiliation is not relevant.

Each candidate will have five minutes to speak before votes are cast.

"Come and exercise your right to vote," added Tinsman.