A total of four people have picked up petitions to run in aspecial election for Ward Three alderman, and three have completedthe qualification process, city election officials said.

The special election to fill the unexpired term of the Rev.Jerry L. Wilson, who took office as District One supervisor thisyear, is scheduled for Feb. 10. The special election winner willserve through June 2005.

Mrs. Jerry L. Wilson was the first to get a petition to run forthe office. She was joined last week by former alderman Clarence B.”Doc” Johnson, city firefighter and fire equipment business ownerGeorge Faust and David Howard, of 545 South Railroad Ave.

Brookhaven Election Commission Chairwoman Bonita Bullock saidFriday that Johnson and Faust are “A-OK and ready to go.” Mrs.Wilson completed the qualification process late Friday.

“All their petitioners were on the books,” said Bullock.

To qualify, a candidate must collect the signatures of 50registered voters from Ward Three, Bullock said. The electioncommission must verify that all signatures are of registered votersin the ward.

Bullock said Howard had picked up a petition to collect thenecessary signatures, but had yet to return it.

The qualifying deadline is Friday, Jan. 30, at 5 p.m.

The city clerk’s office will be open Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8a.m. until noon for absentee voting, said City Clerk Iris RudmanSmith. The office will also be open until 7 p.m., Feb. 2-6, forthat purpose.

Rudman Smith said voters may vote absentee by mail. Mailedballots, which can be requested from the city clerk’s office, mustbe returned in the mail to the post office by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb.9.