Dozens of incumbents have no opponent in their bid for re-election in many area cities, including several mayors. In those cities, the handful of races taking shape are for seats left vacant by outgoing council members.

Jerry Alford

But Sanger Mayor Joe Higgs and incumbents on five area city councils face spirited challenges, and Pilot Point Mayor Jerry Alford’s departure also inspired a three-way race for the general election on May 10.

Alford decided not to seek a fourth term, since he has been mayor for six years and a council member for two years before that.

“I thought it was time to step down and allow someone else the chance to look at different options and ideas for the city,” Alford said.

He wondered who might file behind him, he said, and was pleased that three people had filed to take his place, including current mayor pro tem Janet Groff, former council member Pearly Mae Simpson and resident Ken Brixey.

A long-running boundary battle between Pilot Point and Celina is in court again Friday, and the settlement is possible before Alford leaves of­fice.

“It’s my objective to get it resolved before then,” Alford said.

In Oak Point, only former Mayor Duane Olson filed to re­place Tom Kanuch, who resigned as mayor last month.

Although Kanuch resigned in time for city voters to consider his replacement, his resignation also triggered different filing deadlines, which have now passed.

As a result, Olson will be sworn in March 31 and that part of the election is canceled, according to City Manager Richard Martin.

However, all three incumbents on the Oak Point City Council have re-filed along with three challengers for the at-large seats.

A divisive fight over an Eng­lish-only resolution passed last sum­mer remains on the mind of many residents in this fast-growing lakeside community.

A wave of opposition surged against other incumbent council members in Argyle, Krum and Sanger, as both political newcomers and residents with experience were inspired to challenge the status quo.

Fallout in Krum over fire de­part­ment funding and slim city reserves continued as former Interim Fire Chief Matt Kilgore filed against incumbent Alice Carr for her Place 1 seat on the Krum City Council.

Former fire department bookkeeper Nicole Collinsworth also filed for the seat left vacant by David Dwinell.

Collinsworth faces opposition from First United Bank employee Judy Kindiger.

And Place 5 incumbent Chris­tine Rodriguez is being challenged by accountant Stephanie Thompson.

Growing pains in Argyle inspired former council member Dona Schroetke’s bid against incumbent Jayne Marshall.

Incumbent Mark Bogosian faces opposition from fellow pilot Joey Hasty, and the re-election bid by longtime incumbent Joe Phelps is opposed by David Mc­Swain.

In Sanger, Joe Falls has filed against mayoral incumbent Joe Higgs.

In addition, Sanger’s former city manager, Jack Smith, joined Larry Miller in challenging Glenn Ervin for his Place 2 seat. Only incumbent Andy Garza is unopposed.

In the Lake Cities, mayors John Smith of Hickory Creek and Marjory Johnson of Lake Dallas are each unopposed, as are all the other incumbent council members who filed for re-election there.

However, neither Corinth coun­cil member Ronnie Glass­cock nor Hickory Creek council member Rick Fengler sought second terms. Both Fengler’s and Glasscock’s vacant seats promise spirited races in an otherwise quiet election season in all four of the Lake Cities.

If no one applies for a write-in candidacy by 5 p.m. Monday, the city of Lake Dallas is poised to go four years without a general election. Its last election for three seats on the council was May 2005. Other cities that may also cancel elections include Aubrey, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Dish, Justin and Shady Shores.

Secretaries in Krugerville and Cross Roads, where mayors are also up for re-election, did not return requests for candidate filings by press time Tuesday.

PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com .