Stephen, M.N. Mayor Seat Vacant

The town of Stephen is still without a mayor after no one ran for the position last November. The former mayor did not run for reelection and the person who received the most write-in votes didn't want the job.

Stephen officials are talking a wait and see approach, hoping that a qualified person comes forward to take the spot. The town was in a similar situation in 1996 when no one ran for mayor, and didn't fill the position for a half a year. The position doesn't pay a lot -- about $3,000 a year, and it can be time consuming and can come with a lot of responsibility. The former mayor has asked a few people if they would take the position but so far no takers. Despite the vacant position city council member Patsy Heggen says the city government has been running smoothly. When a person is found he or she can be appointed without the need for a special election.

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