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Follansbee voters will be asked this year to choose from candidates for mayor and three council seats, while candidates for Wellsburg elections appear to be unopposed.
Incumbent David Velegol Jr. of 400 Heather Moor Drive, will face challenger John Schwertfeger of 601 Gilbert Ave.
Schwertfeger once served as the city's police chief.
City Clerk David Kurcina also announced others who have declared their candidacy for the following council seats:
¯ 1st Ward: Incumbent Paul Boniey of 214 Main St. and challenger challenger Tammy Johnson of Main Street.
¯ 3rd Ward: Challengers Nicholas Cekinovich of 541 Gilbert Ave. and incumbent Kathy Santoro of 605 Mahan Ave.
Unopposed are Kurcina, City Attorney Michael Gaudio, City Police Chief Larry Rea, Councilman at Large John Casinelli, 2nd Ward Councilman Chuck McCoy, 4th Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russell and 5th Ward Councilwoman Wendy DeAngelis.
An April 6 primary election and a June 8 general election are on the calendars for both cities.
In recent years, Wellsburg Council has moved to cancel the city's primary election when no more than two candidates filed for any office. But this year it appears no candidate has been challenged, though write-in candidates have until April 23 to file.
First Ward Councilman Danny Dudley has declared his candidacy for mayor following incumbent Sue Simonetti's announcement she won't seek another term.
In addition, Mike Allman, a former Brooke County sheriff, has filed for police chief, while incumbent Richard Ferguson, also a former Brooke County sheriff, has chosen not to run again, citing a desire to become involved in other community projects.
Wellsburg City Clerk Amanda Dudley also has announced the following other unopposed candidates: 1st Ward Councilman Jack Kins, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Mary Margaret Rosso, 3rd Ward Councilman Tom Gaudio and 4th Ward Councilman Charlie Harris.
No one has declared their candidacy for collector-treasurer. Council recently agreed to advertise the position following the resignation of Andrea Morris.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)