Nine residents have pulled packets to run for the Sedona City Council next March, but the packets with at least 198 valid signatures must be submitted to the city clerk’s office no later than Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m.

Candidates can run for either mayor, a four-year council term or a two-year council seat.

Three of the seven candidates have filed political statements of organization, and they had to list the seat they want.

Community activist Mike Ward is seeking a four-year council term as is Don McIroy, an attorney and president of the Mingus Mountain Republican Club.

Dennis Rayner, an opponent to the State Route 89A lighting issue and a retired physicist from DuPont Corporation, seeks a two-year term.

Mayor Rob Adams, Cliff Ochser — president and owner  of Evening Sky Tours, Barbara Litrell — former president of Keep Sedona Beautiful, former Vice Mayor Jerry Frey, local musician Tommy Acosta and community activist Eddie Maddox have not filed their political statements of organization yet, and therefore have not had to list the seats they seek.

Former City Clerk Pat Sullivan, who is handling the 2010 council election, said candidates cannot submit more than 395 signatures in their packets, which includes nomination papers and financial disclosure statements.

The primary election will be Tuesday, March 9. The general election, if needed, is scheduled for

May 18.

Candidates receiving more than 50 percent of the vote are declared winners and will not have to run in the general election.

Michael Maresh can be reached at 282-7795 or e-mail

mmaresh@larsonnewspapers.com