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The Edwardsville mayoral race will have yet another candidate.

Former City Council member Betty Waldo, who resigned in protest in 2001, will run against incumbent Mayor Luther Pickell, Council member Stephanie Eickhoff and businesswoman Karen Trent.

"I just decided that I would go for it," Waldo said.

Waldo said she would like to see a few changes made, such as advertising bids for city projects more so local businesses can participate. She also wants to establish more things for children to do, such as a city swimming pool and skateboard park.

She thinks her prior stint on the council will give her the experience she needs to run the city and council.

All three incumbent Council members filed for election before the deadline last week. Ed Gillette, Tim Kelly and Kent Docking are all seeking their first elected term in office.

All three were appointed to council by Pickell.

"It has been a great experience and pleasure to work on behalf of my community to enhance and grow the city of Edwardsville and continue to push for further economic stimulus to make Edwardsville the best place to live in the metropolitan area."

Gillette, the current council president, was appointed to the council in 2000. He filled the position left open on the council when Pickell moved from council president to Mayor.

Gillette, an attorney, said he decided to run because he wants to continue the good work the council has done in the last two years, such as paying off the city's short-term debt, lowering property taxes and bringing new business to the city.

Gillette, who has been a resident of Edwardsville since 1986, has served on the Wyandotte County Lake board and represents the city with Mid-America Regional Council.

Kelly was appointed to the seat left open by former Council member Kathryn DeFillipis in April 2001.

Kelly had been on the fence in his decision to file for election. However, after several people asked him run, he decided to take the plunge.

"I feel the citizens of Edwardsville deserve an advocate that will be honest and forthright about the activities of the city and make decisions that are in the best interest of the city and it's citizens," he said.

Kelly said he will remain open-minded and fair on all issues and won't let outside influences sway any decision he makes.

Kelly has lived in Edwardsville for eight years and plans on staying, he said.

Before joining the council, Kelly served on the Citizen's Advisory Board, the Wyandotte County Solid Waste management committee and city planning commission.

Docking decided to run after discussing the decision with his wife and son.

"I talked to my wife and son and they both wanted be to do it," he said.

Docking said he wanted to continue the work the council has already accomplished -- paying off city debt, establishing cash reserves and promoting economic growth.

He also believes his experience as an attorney will aid the council and city staff.

Yet, the election is not a cakewalk for incumbents.

Newcomer to the political process, Cyndi Marble, is challenging for one of those three positions.

Marble said she decided to run because she wanted to become involved in her community and be a responsible citizen.

Marble, a self-employed hairstylist, wife and mother, wants to maintain Edwardsville's current growth pattern, but make sure that growth doesn't affect the quality of life of its residents.

She also wants to make sure that along with that growth, the city maintains a safe environment for children.

"I want to ensure that we have a prosperous city, but that we maintain a balance," she said. She wants to ensure that the city remains responsible and doesn't forget its residents.

The four candidates will run against challengers Bryan Alldaffer, Jennifer Burnett and John Broman.

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