Six incumbents and one other candidate have qualified to seekoffice in municipal elections later this year, according todocuments at the City Clerk’s Office.

City Clerk Mike Jinks and Police Chief Pap Henderson havequalified for re-election to their citywide offices.

Ward Three Alderwoman Mary Wilson, Ward Four Alderwoman ShirleyEstes, Ward Five Aldermen Tom Smith and Ward Six Alderman John E.”Buddy” Allen are seeking additional terms. Elisa Corley Jr., aprivate tax preparer, has qualified for Ward One alderman.

Jinks and Henderson filed qualifying papers shortly before cityoffices closed for the New Year’s holiday, while others signed upTuesday when offices reopened. The qualifying deadline is March4.

Henderson is seeking his second term in office. He said hebelieves he the best person for the job.

“I feel the job is not over for me,” said Henderson, citing hisdesire to continue to provide good law enforcement services.”That’s what I intend to do as the city goes forward.”

Jinks is pursuing his first full four-year term. He won aspecial election last year to fill the remainder of retired CityClerk Iris Rudman Smith’s term through June 30.

“I appreciate the citizens giving me the opportunity to be clerknow, and I’d like to continue to serve them as city clerk,” saidJinks, citing his qualifications and more than 11 years of work inthe office.

Smith has been on the board of aldermen for two terms and ispursuing a third. He said he wanted to continue to provide abusinesslike approach to city government.

“I want to be part of the growth of Brookhaven,” Smith said.”It’s looking great and I want to be a part of it.”

After serving two years of an unexpired term, Allen is alsoseeking a third full term as Ward Six’s representative on theboard. He said he appreciated the support he has received in thepast.

“I think great things are happening in the community and I wantto be a part of that,” Allen said.

Wilson and Estes are asking for full terms after winning specialelections last year.

“I want to continue to serve the people of Ward Three and be avoice for them and bring their concerns and issues to the board,”Wilson said.

Estes also cited a desire to help constituents.

“I’d like the privilege of serving them by continuing to work onthe challenges and addressing the opportunities before the cityduring the next four years,” Estes said.

Corley voiced a need for change. He said he had a number ofreasons for seeking elected office.

“I know the community and the city has a whole can be better ifit has better leadership,” Corley said.

Jinks said Ward One Alderman Dorsey Cameron had picked upqualifying papers and was expected to formally qualify today.Cameron would be seeking a third term as alderman.

With the exception of Estes, who qualified as a Republican, allqualifiers so far are Democrats. There are no independentcandidates yet.

City voters this year will be electing a mayor, city clerk,police chief and seven aldermen.

Party primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, with runoffson Tuesday, May 17 where needed. The general election is Tuesday,June 7.

Election winners are scheduled to take office in July.