UPDATED They're off and running: Three sign up on 1st day of Bellaire election filing

UPDATE (7:22 p.m. July 24): City Secretary Tracy Dutton reports that incumbent Mayor Andrew Friedberg and Position 5 Councilmember Michael Fife filed paperwork Monday to run for re-election to their positions, and that Neil Verma has filed for the Position 1 council seat.
By Charlotte Aguilar
Filing for the Nov. 7 Bellaire municipal election technically began on Saturday when city offices were closed, so in reality, filing opens today (Monday, July 24). A number of intentions have already been made clear.
After indicating interest, term-limited Councilman Roman Reed said he has decided against challenging incumbent Mayor Andrew Friedberg, who has indicated he will seek re-election to a second two-year term.
Declaring in advance for Reed’s Position 1 seat were Neil Verma, chair of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, and Kevin Newman, a member of the Bellaire L.I.F.E seniors advisory board, who is making his second run for a seat at the council table.
Gus Pappas had drawn no announced competition as filing opened as he seeks re-election for Position 3.
And in Position 5, incumbent Michael Fife, who was elected to Friedberg’s seat when he was chosen as mayor, is seeking a full term. She’s opposed by former Councilmember Jim Avioli, who was term-limited after eight years, and has sat out the past two years by serving on the Board of Adjustment.
Of course, with filing continuing through 5 p.m. Aug. 21, the cast of characters could grow. Stay tuned.
Click here for more information on election filing.