SMITHVILLE – With two of Smithville’s councilmen not seeking re-election, the town has two seats to fill with five candidates running for the open position. This year, voters will see the same last name appear multiple times on the ballot as three Smithville family members and two political newcomers campaign for the open spots.

Kenneth Whitmore, Robert Whitmore and Barbara Ann Whitmore are seeking election. Also running are political newcomers John Cammarata and Carol Omalyev. Of the five candidates, Robert Whitmore and John Cammarata will run as Republicans, Kenneth Whitmore and Barbara Ann Whitmore are backed by the Democratic Party, and one, Carol Omalyev, will run on the Green Party platform.

Carol Omalyev, a 59-year-old graphic designer, is hoping to appeal to voters through her past involvement in local committees. Omalyev said her choice to run in the Green Party is because of the party’s refusal of corporate funding. Her stance against gas drilling, she said, is in accordance with many Smithville residents and is one of her primary reasons for pursuing a council seat. She said she is running to have her voice heard and bring the actions of the council to the community’s attention.

“There are a lot of things in Smithville no one really knows about ... and I’m trying to make that recognized,” she said.