Candidates will begin filing their paperwork for the April 4th consolidated election on Monday. And, as it looks right now, it looks like there will be a couple of contested races for the Vandalia City Council. Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman has picked up his paperwork to run for a 5th term in office. As of this time, no one else has picked up paperwork to run for Mayor. City Clerk Peggy Bowen has picked up her paperwork to run for a 6th term and no one else has picked up paperwork to run for clerk. For Ward One Alderman, Jerry Swarm has said he will not run for another term—leaving an open seat. And, at this time, three individuals—Steve Barker, Joseph Crawford, and Charles Schilling—have picked up paperwork to run for the spot. In Ward 2, Dorothy Crawford has picked up her paperwork to run for another term and also picking up paperwork for Ward 2 is Stacia Fields. In Ward 3, Mike Hobler has picked up his paperwork to run for another term with no one else picking up paperwork. Joel Rebbe has picked up paperwork to run for the two years remaining on the seat he was appointed to and no one has picked up paperwork to challenge him at this time. And, in Ward 4, Andy Lester has picked up his paperwork to run for another term and is currently facing no opposition. The filing for the consolidated election will begin on December 12th and run thru next week.