When asked whether the city was prepared to absorb possible costs from a primary election, Shumway laughed. The mayor and two council members are up for re-election. Only five residents have declared their candidacy; two for mayor, three for council.

"This is a first time for us," she said, "but the way it's looking we may not need one."

Still, residents are encouraged to file for office. Today is the filing deadline for cities that don't use a nominating convention.

"I think that people need to realize that if they want to be involved, they get to make that decision," said Shumway. "They need to step up instead of waiting for someone to nominate them."

Information about municipal elections is available at all city offices. Fruit Heights has posted rules and history of the city's nominating convention in the city newsletter.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com