All city offices now have candidates following last week’squalifying in races for Chief of Police and Alderman at large,according to records at the City Clerk’s Office.

In qualifying for Chief of Police, which is an open seat withthe retirement of incumbent Fred McKee, Assistant Police ChiefArlustra “Pap” Henderson became the first and only candidate so farin the race.

“I feel like it’s something I want to do and something I havethe experience to do,” Henderson said. “I want to continue to servethe citizens of Brookhaven.”

Henderson has been with the police department over 30 years. Hebecame assistant police chief when McKee was elected chief 12 yearsago.

Two candidates signed up last week in the race for Alderman atlarge. That office is also open with incumbent Henry Newman’sdecision to run for mayor.

Les L. Bumgarner said there were several reasons he has chosento run for the office, including wanting to bring good-paying jobsto the community, working with the chamber of commerce and buildingon opportunities provided by the Mississippi School of theArts.

Bumgarner also mentioned his over 21-year background inbusiness.

“I’d like to bring that experience to the board,” saidBumgarner, a member of the Brookhaven Parks Commission Board and aformer member of the Brookhaven School District Board ofTrustees.

Bumgarner said he has a strong and deep commitment to education,recreation, police and fire protection, creating job opportunitiesand spending taxpayers’ money wisely.

Mrs. Jerry L. Wilson, the wife of the current Ward 3 alderman,has also qualified in the race for Alderman at large. She qualifiedlate Friday and attempts to contact her Saturday wereunsuccessful.

Both Bumgarner and Wilson signed up as Democrats.

In other qualifying last week, incumbent Ward 2 Alderman TerryBates officially tossed his hat into the ring for re-election. Heis seeking a fourth term on the board.

Bates will be opposed by J.D. Watkins, who also qualified lastweek, and Rolanda Spiller, who qualified earlier.

The Republican primary for Ward 4 Alderman gained anothercandidate last week in the form of Gary S. Boutwell Jr. He andBoyce Bullock are the GOP hopefuls so far while no Democrats havesigned up for the office.

Incumbent Ward 4 Alderman John Roberts, also a Republican, hasnot indicated his plans for this year’s elections.

Last week’s qualifying brings the total number of candidates to20. Eleven city offices will be decided this year.

The qualifying deadline is March 2. Other offices and candidates(all Democrats unless noted) include:

* Mayor: Incumbent W.W. “Bill” Godbold, Newman and Roger RuffinOsborne.

* City Clerk: Incumbent Iris Rudman.

* City Tax Collector: Incumbent Pat Duckworth.

* Ward 1 Alderman: Incumbent Dorsey Cameron.

* Ward 3 Alderman: Incumbent the Rev. Jerry L. Wilson andClarence B. “Doc” Johnson.

* Ward 5 Alderman: Incumbent Tom Smith.

* Ward 6 Alderman: Incumbent John E. “Buddy” Allen, Leroy Hewittand Republican Keith Peden.

The city election schedule calls for party primaries to be heldMay 1 and runoffs, where needed, will be May 15. The generalelection is June 5.