Brookhaven voters go to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots forwhat will be short, but important, terms for mayor and cityclerk.

In the mayor’s race, Ward Four Alderman Bob Massengill andformer Alderman John Roberts are the front-runners to fill theremainder of retired Mayor Bill Godbold’s term through June 2005.Political newcomer Sam Dodds is the third man in the race.

In the city clerk’s race, office bookkeeper Mike Jinks andAmanda Sproles Dann, office manager for the Human PerformanceCompany, square off for the right to succeed Iris Rudman Smith.

Tuesday’s winners will be in office less than a year before theyhave to decide whether to run for re-election.

Some may consider that situation as a lame-duck administrationfor the new mayor and city clerk. Others could think of it as achance to get a jump-start on a full four-year term.

It’s likely the next mayor will have about 3,000 moreconstituents to appease due to annexation. That will be in additionto addressing lingering issues involving solid waste, a newindustrial park and city finances.

The next mayor, as well as the next city clerk, must be able towork with the board of aldermen and city department heads to charta positive course toward growth and prosperity for the city.

Tuesday’s winner, regardless of who it is, faces some dauntingtasks. City voters will be watching to see how those challenges aremet.