Shift in Branson Ward One Alderman Race

Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 10:07 AM

By Scott McCaulley @smcckc

A change has taken place for a contested race in the City of Branson for next year's Municipal Election.

Former Alderman Bill Skains, who served as Ward Two Alderman four years before being defeated by current Alderman Marshall Howden in the 2022 Election, will again run for the position. Skains signed-up to enter the race on Thursday. Howden has already signed-up to run for a second term.

Meanwhile the person that had signed up to oppose Howden in the upcoming election, Mike Pittman, withdrew from the race moments before Skains signed-up to run. Pittman told the Branson Tri-Lakes News that he decided to pull out for health reasons and informed Skains of his decision which led to him entering the race.

Ward 3 Alderman Ralph LaBlanc has signed-up to run for a second term while current Ward 2 Alderman Chuck Rodriguez has not yet signed-up to run for a second term.

All municipalities, school districts, and other political subdivisions that have open positions will take candidate filings until December 26.