Several surprise candidates have thrown their hats into the ring during Tucker’s city council and mayoral contest qualifying period, including two mayoral candidates looking to upend favorite Anne Lerner.
🗳️ Click here for our Tucker Election Guide
When qualifying ended Thursday, Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m., former city council member Noelle Monferdini and Beverly Williams, a frequent speaker at council and community meetings, both qualified to run against Lerner.
Frank Auman, who has been Tucker’s only mayor in its short tenure as a city, is term-limited and cannot run again.
Monferdini, who served on council from 2016 until her term ended in 2023, filed documents indicating her intention to run for office on June 30, and her campaign disclosure report on Aug. 18. Williams filed her paperwork on Aug. 19.
Monferdini, in a statement to Rough Draft, said she believes that “local government exists to serve its people, being the first place you turn when issues arise and ensuring community engagement in every decision.”
“Over my eight years on the Tucker City Council, I’ve embodied those values by meeting in your homes, listening to your concerns, and delivering your voice on the dais where it mattered most,” she continued.
Monferdini said she will ensure Tucker’s future is shaped by you and through transparent government, active engagement, and policies that reflect our shared values.”
More about Monferdini can be found on her campaign website.
Williams, in a flyer sent to Rough Draft, said “Tucker has been a strong, vibrant community built by its residents, families, and small businesses. What makes Tucker special is not just our neighborhoods or schools, but the people who have worked together to create a place we are all proud to call home.”
Williams said she is running for maybe because she believes in serving all of Tucker—not just part of Tucker.”
Her platform espouses putting residents first, fostering open communication, protecting neighborhoods, investing in youth, honoring Tucker’s roots, and updating the comprehensive plan to reflect the needs and values of families.
Williams can be reached at votebeverlyformaylor@gmail.com.
Both Williams and Monferdini will have an uphill battle against Lerner, who declared in her June 30 campaign donation disclosure report about $34,000 in donations and $14,000 in expenses, leaving her with a war chest of more than $20,000. Monferdini listed $620 in donations, and Williams has not yet filed her disclosure form.
WiFor the District 1, Post 1 seat, Karen Peters-Rivers is running against incumbent Roger W. Orlando, who in his latest disclosure report had raised $77,000 with $49,000 in expenses. The two ran against each other in 2021, with Orlando prevailing.
For the District 2, Post 1 contest, incumbent Cara Schroeder will face Patrice Cosby, who made her declaration public on Aug. 19. In 2023, Cosby ran for the District 2, Post 2 seat that was won by Vinh Nguyen.
“I decided to run because I believe Tucker deserves leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and meaningful action,” Cosby told Rough Draft. “The Patrice Promise is my commitment to serve with purpose, ensuring every voice in our community is heard and respected. I’m focused on clear communication, transparency in city leadership, and fostering true diversity so our elected officials truly reflect the people of Tucker.”
Cosby said she’s ready “to bring honesty, fairness, and collaboration to the city council.” Her email address is votepatrice@gmail.com
In the District 3, Post 1 race, Sam Ulrich, an outspoken supporter of the plan to build a pickleball complex at Tucker Recreation Center, will face incumbent Alexis Weaver.
“I am running for city council because I believe Tucker needs leaders committed to bringing our community together,” Ulrich said in a statement to Rough Draft. “My campaign is focused on championing a collaborative culture, where respectful dialogue leads to decisive action for the good of all.
I am committed to building an inclusive future where Tucker’s rich diversity is not just recognized, but actively protected and celebrated, ensuring everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered,” he continued. “I will use my professional background in finance to ensure responsible financial stewardship, analyzing every dollar to provide a strong return on investment for our taxpayers.
Ulrich said he is also dedicated to investing in the community with projects like the Tucker Path “to create a vibrant, connected city for our small businesses and residents.”
More information about Ulrich can be found here.
Rough Draft has reached out to Peters for information about her campaign.
🗳️ Click here for our Tucker Election Guide