After his status as a convicted felon and registered sex offender brought up a question in his election participation, Jerry Wilkerson is the write-in candidate for the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen. Wilkerson was able to find an exception in the state law that allows felons to participate in smaller forms of government.
Wilkerson will be going up against Terry Walker, who has held the position in the South ward since 2009, and Mike Bickel of the North ward. Until January 22, when Wilkerson announced his intent to run for alderman, Walker and Bickel were running unopposed. Denise Hubbard, the Callaway County Clerk, said that Wilkerson is legally allowed to run for alderman,
“It’s really not up to my opinion whether or not I feel he should be able to run. We just follow the laws and he filed as a write-in candidate so he’s able to be a candidate.”
Mike Bertschinger, the Auxvasse city supervisor for Auxvasse, said that Wilkerson’s past decisions would not affect his job anymore than anyone else’s past decisions affect their job. Bertschinger said that Wilkerson, a resident in his city, could bring diversity and experience to the board.
“Outside of a few years additional life experience, I’m not sure what he’ll bring to the table. He hasn’t showcased anything to me yet.”
The ballots for the Auxvasse mayoral race and alderman position opens today, April 7, and allows the citizens to decide for themselves.