MONTICELLO — The town’s Ward 4 picked up its first qualifierWednesday and the mayor found a challenger Tuesday as the deadlinefor city qualifications looms.

Incumbent Ward 4 Alderman Dick Reeves qualified for re-electionWednesday and Produs May qualified for mayor Tuesday. May ischallenging incumbent Mayor David Nichols for the office.

Ward 1 remained an open field today as the Friday 5 p.m.deadline for candidates in the June 5 election draws near. The citydoes not have party primaries.

Incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Goode has announced hisintentions to run for re-election and picked up his petition, butit has not been returned yet.

In other elections, Incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Ed Melzer willface challenger Steve Moreman for his post. In Ward 5, incumbentPete Mathews has been challenged by Ricky Sykes. Incumbent Ward 3Alderman George Magee is unopposed.

This is the first election since the entire board and mayor werereplaced by voters in 1997, so all incumbents are seeking theirsecond terms.

To qualify for mayor, a person must submit a petition to cityhall with the signatures of 50 town residents. Aldermen need only15 signatures from their ward. Petitions are available at cityhall.

The position of mayor is full-time with an annual salary of$27,600. There are no benefits, except retirement.

The alderman position is part-time with an annual salary of$4,800 and no benefits.