A Democratic party decision not to certify a candidate seekingthe city clerk’s office clears the way for incumbent Iris Rudman towin a fifth term in office.

James Tillman, Brookhaven Democratic Executive Committeechairman, said Monday that Mardessie Black, a member of the cityelection commission, was ruled ineligible to seek the city clerk’soffice in the party primary. The chairman cited a 1992 AttorneyGeneral’s opinion as the basis for the committee’s action.

“The law says if you are on the election commission, you mustresign that position prior to January 1 if you want to run forelected office in the municipality,” Tillman said.

City records show Black, who signed up to seek the office on thelast day of qualifying, was appointed to the election commission in1997. Tillman said he found no record of Black resigning from thecommission.

Tillman said Black was notified of the conflict prior to aspecial called executive committee meeting that was held Fridayafternoon. She did not attend the meeting, the chairman said.

“That was the only problem we had,” Tillman said, adding thatBlack’s failure to resign from the election commission could havebeen an oversight. “All the other candidates are qualified torun.”

Black did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

With Black off the ballot, Rudman is in line to claim a fifthterm as city clerk.

“I’m really excited about going into my fifth term,” Rudmansaid.

Rudman said there are a number of projects going on inBrookhaven and she was looking forward to having a part in thoseover the next four years.

“It’s going to mean a lot for Brookhaven,” Rudman said.

In other candidate activity, Tillman said Roosevelt Collins hadwithdrawn as a candidate for alderman of Ward 1. Collins did notcite a reason for his withdrawal, city officials said.

Collins’ withdrawal leaves incumbent Ward 1 Alderman DorseyCameron and Donald Dixon as the only candidates in the race. Bothare running as Democrats.

Tillman said there are 30 Democratic candidates seeking 11elected city offices.

There are six Republican candidates spread among the races formayor and aldermen of Wards 4, 5 and 6. There is one independentmayoral candidate.

Party primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, May 1, and runoffs,where needed, will be Tuesday, May 15. The general election is setfor Tuesday, June 5.