Hamrick challenger emerges as Gainesville qualifying ends

GAINESVILLE - Only one newcomer submitted paperwork this week to qualify for the Gainesville City elections on Nov. 8.

City Clerk Denise Jordan said Debra Harkirder submitted paperwork Wednesday to qualify to run for the Ward 2 City Council seat currently held by Bob Hamrick. Hamrick submitted his paperwork Monday.

City council members Myrtle Figueras and Ruth Bruner are also running again.

Willie Mitchell became the third member of the city school board to turn in their paperwork since qualifying began Monday. The others are Sammy Smith and Maria Calkins.

That means all of the incumbents whose seats are up for grabs this year will be on the ballot.

Qualifying ended at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon.