Four of the more vocal critics of Melancthon Township Council in recent months have filed nomination papers for the Oct. 25 municipal election, and one of those is challenging Deputy Mayor Bill Hill in his bid to replace Debbie Fawcett as mayor.

If there are no further nominations, the three council seats would be filled by Bart Malloy, Wayne Hannon and Dennis Sanford, with firstterm Councillor Darren White moving up to the deputy mayor’s position.

This would mean that the only election would be to choose between Rob Uffen and Mr. Hill for the top political post. But anything can happen between now and the nomination filing deadline of Sept. 10.

Present Councillors John Crowe and Janice Elliott weren’t reached for comment, but Mayor Fawcett said she is still considering whether to seek another four-year term on the council.

Traditionally, Melancthon has had a low turnout of voters. Speculation is that this time around will be different as there’s likely to be a bloc of anti-quarry, anti- Highland Companies support for the most vocal of council critics.

However misguided the critics’ opinions of what measures the council could or should be taking on a proposed application for aggregate zoning, the opinions are strongly held and the opposition is real.

The mayoralty race – no matter whether a twoor three-way battle – will be interesting in Melancthon.

Mr. Uffen, a six-year resident of the township, acknowledges that he has “spoken out on a number of issues” but he doesn’t view his candidacy as “taking on Bill Hill. My position is I am running for mayor.”

As well, he prefers not to assume he’ll have a bloc of support. “We don’t know that,” he responded to the suggestion.

Mr. Hill wasn’t reached for comment. He is a longtime member of the council and of the Economic Development committee and is widely known as successful businessman and supporter of minor sports.