Oklahoma City Council races develop after first day of filing

Running against former Oklahoma City Fire Chief Gary Marrs, 66, for the Ward 1 seat as of Tuesday is James Greiner, 31, a graphic designer at Hobby Lobby. Marrs was first elected to the city council in 2004.

Larry McAtee, 74, and Pete White, 73, are so far unopposed in their bids to retain the Wards 3 and 4 seats, respectively.

McAtee was appointed to the council in 2001; White served on the council from 1982 to 1989 and won election again in 2005.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old and have been a city resident for at least three years.

Candidates also must be qualified voters in Oklahoma City and must have been registered to vote in the ward for which they intend to represent for at least six months before filing.

The filing fee is $200, or candidates can submit a petition signed by 500 registered, eligible voters instead.

Each council seat is for a four-year term and pays $12,000 annually.

Candidacy filing forms can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county election board offices. Ward maps can be viewed at www.okc.gov.