Concerned he and one of his opponents might split votes, the “Baking Marine” has taken his candidacy for mayor of Carmi out of the oven. John Bolerjack issued a statement on social media and to WROY/WRUL News Wednesday evening confirming he was suspending his efforts and throwing his support behind challenger Bill Stendeback. According to the official release, Bolerjack says, “Sometimes you have to look at the big picture and put your own desires a side [sic]. Therefore I’m suspending my candidacy for Mayor of Carmi. With a three man race Carmi might not get new leadership that is [sic] desperately needs. I have spoken to Bill Stendeback and I know he will do a great job as our new Mayor. He has been in Carmi and has his finger on the pulse and knows what needs to be fixed. Therefore I hope all of the people that signed my petition and have told me they would vote for me to vote for Bill Stendeback. Bill will have my vote!”
The mayoral race in Carmi will as of now be between Stendeback and incumbent Mayor Jeff Pollard, initially elected to the office in 2013.
Council seats on the April 1, 2025 ballot will feature incumbent Sheila Headlee and challenger Jack Bradshaw in Ward I. Doug Hays is unopposed so far in Ward II. Steve Winkleman, the incumbent will face off with Greg Knight in Ward III. Tim Sneed and Cheyenne Long also picked up petitions for Ward III, but have since then signaled their intention to sit this cycle out. Alderman Tracy Nelson is unopposed in Ward IV.
