Catoosa Probate Judge Gene LoweryThe widow of former Catoosa County, Ga., Probate Judge Gene Lowery will not seek his position, but it appears that a magistrate will.
Stephen Keith said he plans to run for the seat in a special election, which will take place Nov. 4. Keith is the only person so far to submit a declaration of intent with the Catoosa County Elections office.
A declaration of intent is a document stating that a person will spend money to influence the outcome of an election. It is required for anybody who will make a financial investment in a race, regardless of whether that person is actually a candidate.
Keith also will have to submit qualifying paperwork and pay a fee of about $1,900 with any other candidates the week of June 23-27. The base salaries for magistrate and probate judge are both about $63,200.
The position of probate judge handles traffic tickets, gun permits, wills and marriages. The job became open when Lowery died on April 16 after a battle with skin cancer.