There will be a September primary in the race for mayor and two seats on the Great Falls City Commission after two additional candidates filed for mayor ahead of Thursday's (7/2) deadline.

Local activists Mike Witsoe and John Hubbard say they want to take the city in a new direction.

"Be accountable. Be accountable for the money you've lost and be accountable for the money your spending," said Hubbard.

"Most people don't vote or don't attend city commission meetings because the commission doesn't listen," said Witsoe.

Their filings mean 5 candidates will appear on the ballot for mayor and seven have filed for two seats on the city commission. But the upcoming September 15th primary wont be cheap for the city and taxpayers.

"The cost to run that mail ballot election is going to be between $45,000 and $50,000".

Several candidates say though that despite the cost, voters will actually be the winners in the 2009 election. After a 2007 mayors race where none of the four candidates received a majority of the vote, city commission candidate Ed McKnight says the primary will help voters get informed and eventually select the best leaders in November.

"I think it's a healthy situation," said McKnight. "The purpose of the primary is to narrow down the field and have the best candidates available so we can get a clear majority and know what direction the city has to take."