But driving around the Boone County town, you might not even know there's a race.

Though this year's election has the most candidates since council was changed from 12 to six seats in 1990, it's been one of the most low-key in recent memory, said Mayor Diane Whalen, who is not up for election.

"It's been very quiet," she said. "It hasn't been a real vocal election."

Few yard signs have sprung up, and people aren't talking about the election.

But, candidates say, there are important issues in Florence: City services, traffic, recreation, city spending and land use.

The two-year term pays $7,500 a year.

Of the six incumbents, David Osborne is the longest serving - on council for 25 of the last 28 years.

With eight years on council, Dale Stephens is the longest consecutively serving councilman. The other incumbents are Ted Bushelman, Mel Carroll, Melodee Merrell and Julie Metzger.

They will face challengers Curt Bessette, Larry Brown, Betsy Conrad, David Schneider and Ritsel Sparks.

Brown served one term on council in 1999 and Conrad served as Florence's city clerk for 22 years.

E-mail bkelly@enquirer.com