As the nomination period closed last Friday, Aug. 9, for the upcoming Oakdale City Council elections, notable developments have emerged.

Two incumbent council members, Council Member Bob Amaral and Council Member Fred Smith, have opted not to seek re-election, leaving their seats open for new candidates.

As of now, four candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot for the two available City Council seats in the election scheduled for Nov. 5.

The candidates are:

·         Caitlyn Barreda

·         Justin Biedinger

·         Jeff Kettering

·         Jarod Pitassi

These candidates have successfully completed the necessary steps to officially enter the race, setting the stage for a new chapter in Oakdale’s local government. With the departure of the incumbents, the upcoming election promises to bring fresh perspectives to the City Council as residents prepare to make their choices this November.

For more information, call City Hall at 209-845-3571.

One race will also be featured for an available seat on the Oakdale Joint Unified School District Board; as incumbent Tina Shatswell and challenger Spencer Cooper both seek the Area 3 seat. Incumbent Terri Taylor is unopposed in Area 2.