WESSON — The town’s election is in full swing with candidatesnow qualified in four of the six open positions, according to townclerk Linda Dykes.

The race for mayor thus far has consisted of a friendlycompetition between two neighbors. Mayoral candidates Bill Tignerand Alton Shaw have lived next door to each other since Tignermoved to the area about a year and a half ago.

Mayor David McGee has picked up a form but is undecided abouthis future political plans.

Shaw, who has been a paramedic for almost four years and aWesson Volunteer Firefighters for six years, hopes to have theopportunity to improve the town even more as the mayor.

“Between the fire department and working as a paramedic, I’vekind of dedicated my life to helping others, and this will beanother way of helping people in Wesson,” said Shaw.

Tigner was involved in work-related travel Tuesday and wasunavailable for comment on his decision to run for mayor.

The other contested race at this time is the Ward Four postwhere incumbent Hollis Cowen Jr. faces former alderman and reservepolice officer R.G. Dube.

Long-time Wesson resident John Welter Jr. has qualified for theWard Two alderman’s post that will be left vacant since JimLightsey, who held the position for around 20 years, has decided toretire.

“I want to thank the voters of Ward Two for allowing me to serveas their alderman. It has been a privilege to do that,” saidLightsey.

In other positions, Ward Three Alderman and Mayor Pro-Tem LuraGreer will seek her third term, while Alderman-at-large DavidDouglas and Ward One Alderman Robert Derrick have both picked uptheir qualifying forms but have not returned them.

Anyone who wishes to run for a position should pick up forms atthe town hall, located on Spring Street, and return them by 5 p.m.,March 2.

Fifteen signatures are needed for the all the aldermanpositions, except alderman-at-large, which along with the mayoralseat requires 50 signatures.

The six positions, which include mayor, alderman in the fourwards and alderman-at-large, will be decided upon June 5.