Qualifying Ends with Four Candidates

Qualifying ended today with four candidates throwing their hats in the ring for positions.

Incumbent Tracy Collins will have a challenger, former Councilmember Elizabeth "Liz" Baxter for Ward 4.

Collins has served on the council for four years. She started as a Woodstock reserve police officer in 1992.

"I am running for re-election this year because I do not feel that I have accomplished everything that I have started," Collins said. "Things are moving forward in the City, and I do not want to see it stop."

Baxter served on the council for three consecutive terms for Ward 4. She was elected November 1995 and left office December 2007.

Incumbents Chris Casdia of Ward 2 and Tessa Basford of Ward 6 qualified Monday, as well.

As newest member to the group, Basford joined in September 2010 filling the unexpired term of former Council Member Steve Faris.

Casdia has served on the council since 2006 when he was sworn in to fill the unexpired term of former Council Member William G. Long. He was re-elected in 2007.

Casdia is also a chief compliance officer for a wealth management firm in Buckhead. He has been in the securities compliance field within the investment business since the mid-90s. 

"I really enjoy what I am doing serving my community as an elected representative in a local government," Casdia said. "It's a rewarding and challenging opportunity that I enjoy."

Stay tuned to Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch for more Election 2011 updates.