Frank Woody has unofficially withdrawn from the Ukiah mayoral race. Woody said Oct. 2 that he was no longer interested in the position and will resign if elected.

Patti Chapman, elections manager for the Umatilla County Elections Division, said Woody’s name cannot be removed from the ballot at this late date. If he receives a majority of the votes and declines the position a new mayor would be appointed by the remaining council members.

Carole Picard is also running for mayor. Picard served on the city council for three years and as city recorder for eight. She worked as school secretary at Ukiah School for many years.

“I would like to show the business and community members that the city council is willing to participate and encourage their ideas for city-wide improvements and beautification,” Picard said.

She wants the city to be more involved with the school, the library and local clubs and churches. She hopes to improve communication between the council and citizens through monthly forums at city council meetings, notices and letters.

Picard has lived in Ukiah for most of her life.

CITY COUNCIL POSITIONS

Rose Gatens is running unopposed for position 1, currently held by Dan Korber.

Gatens has lived in Ukiah for nine years. She currently works as an office automation clerk for the North Fork John Day Ranger District. She is familiar with personnel policies and procedures and conflict of interest and confidentiality issues from previous experience in a law firm and a hospital human resources department.

“I respect the community and want to support the right things that need to be done,” Gatens said.

Ed Neumann is running unopposed for position 3, currently held by Mary Moran.

Neumann, retired after 36 years in the military with experience as a contract administrator, has lived in Ukiah for three years. He currently operates his own cartoon hot rod portraits business, Bohica Grafix.

“The two areas I’d like to work on are following through within 30 days when we make a decision and working with the county sheriff on drug enforcement,” Neumann said.

Mayor Elaine Gilliland plans to ask the new council to reappoint her to the council seat she held before her appointment as acting mayor last April.The seat held by council member Randy Scarlett is not up for election this year.