Incumbent decisions not to file for re-election by the Tuesday deadline last week have left open seats for the school board and Syracuse city council.
   One seat is open on the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca School board. The Syracuse board has three seats up for election with incumbents Greg Mueller of Avoca and Dean Neels of Dunbar already on the ballot.
   Incumbent Jerry Werner, a 14-year member of the school board who has served as the board treasurer for a decade, said it was a hard decision not to seek re-election.
   He said he feels privileged to be a part of board accomplishments, including the middle school concept and construction.
   Werner, plant controller for PCS Phosphate in Weeping Water, said serving on the school board has been a rewarding experience and encouraged board members to keep focus on improving the district.
   “The main interest should be the children and the community, and, when I say community, I mean the whole district,” he said.
   Non-incumbents filing by Tuesday are Janet Harder of Unadilla and Craig Hemje of Syracuse.
For Syracuse City Council, incumbent Deb McWilliams did not file after serving two terms.
   McWilliams, a program coordinator for the Nebraska State Historical Society, said she believes Syracuse will continue to progress in the years ahead.
   Changes during her terms on the council include opening of the AquaCenter and baseball sports complex, as well as transitioning from a city police department to the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office.
   City councilman Chris Lutjemeyer has filed for re-election.