In the upcoming April 7 election, St. James voters will determine new leadership for both the city and schools as they head to the polls to select a Ward 2 alderman and school board members.

Incumbent Alderman Ward 2 Mark Gray filed to retain his seat, and he is challenged for reelection by Keith Livingstone.

Municipal candidates running unopposed are incumbent Alderwoman Tyler Wagnon for reelection to the two-year term in Ward 1, Margaret Kirgan Roberts for the two-year term in Ward 3, Marcie Wilson for the one-year term in Ward 4 and incumbent Alderman Steve Hutchcraft for the two-year term in Ward 4.

Three seats are open for the St. James R-1 School District Board of Education, and five have filed to run for the three-year term. Expiring terms are currently held by Melanie Davis and Wes Gahr, who are running for reelection. Kendra Swee, Jessica Roy and Linda Wischow have also filed as candidates.

St. James Fire Protection District has two Board of Directors seats open. Four candidates filed for the six-year term: Jeff Davis, Scott Marcee, John Money and Larry Rinehart.

St. James Ambulance District also has two Board of Directors seats available. Seats are currently held by Tammy Yamnitz for Sub-district No. 3 and Jennifer Rabenau for Sub-district No. 6. Yamnitz and Rabenau are running unopposed to renew their three-year terms.

The Saint James Pressinvited all candidates running opposed to submit a 250-word profile telling readers about their background and goals for the position. This opportunity was offered free of charge to assist voters in making their decisions.

Profiles were only edited for grammar or to fit length requirements. Ward 2 alderman candidate Keith Livingstone chose not to participate. Candidates for the St. James Fire Protection District did not respond to the request to participate.