2 file, 3 pick up paperwork to run for Myrtle Beach City Council

A councilman seeking re-election and a former councilwoman filed to run for seats on Myrtle Beach City Council during the first day of filing Thursday.

Three council seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election. Councilman Phil Render and former councilwoman Mary Jeffcoat, who most recently has worked with the homeless coalition New Directions, were the first to file to get their names on the ballot. Jeffcoat served on council from 1983 to 1991.

In addition to Render’s seat, seats held by Michael Chestnut and Susan Grissom Means are up for grabs. Chestnut has said he plans to run for re-election. Means said earlier this year that she would not run for re-election after serving 16 years -- four terms.

Three potential candidates picked up information about running Thursday but did not file, including former mayoral candidate and mortgage loan officer Robert Palmer and Realtor and first-time candidate John Krajc.

Former council candidate Jackie Vereen, who works in the hotel industry and serves on the city’s Community Appearance Board, also picked up a packet.

Vereen came within 70 votes of Councilman Wayne Gray, who received the third most votes in the 2013 election for three council seats.

Those interested in running for office have until noon Sept. 4 to turn in their paperwork to city clerk Joan Grove at City Hall, 937 Broadway St.

The election will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "2 file, 3 pick up paperwork to run for Myrtle Beach City Council."