With no name on Lawson ballot, everyone is a candidate for mayor

LAWSON, Mo. - Missouri voters had several choices on Tuesday's primary ballot. But in Lawson, the next time folks go to the polls on April 3, they will have to use a little more ink when they vote for mayor.

"I couldn't really tell you why because I haven't really heard, but I just know that nobody wants the job," said Lawson resident Linda Woodrig.

Lawson's current mayor feels the same way, calling for a write-in election. That means the next person to occupy city hall is a mystery.

"I would go for it, why not?" said Lawson resident Nikki Dujakovich.

Woodrig's husband's name has been tossed around by his friends as a joke, but they're both adamant that he does not want the job.

That's what worries city administrator Bryan Richison.

"That could lead to our worst case scenario where the friend doesn't find it funny," said Richison.

Leaving Lawson without a leader.

"I think a lot of people just don't want to be in that situation where they're having to make those kinds of decisions or face that kind of negative feedback," said Richison.

The job also pays just $300 per year. But with Lawson's yearly budget of $2.5 million, being mayor is still a big responsibility.

"It's a serious thing for our town to have a good mayor," said Woodrig.

Whoever gets it, is in for a surprise.

If the winner doesn't want the job, Richison said the city will still have enough people for the council to take care of business. Beyond that, he's not exactly sure since this situation has never happened before.