A Friday deadline is fast approaching for candidates to sign upto seek office in this year’s city elections.

Two candidates qualified in aldermen races last week, bringingto 17 the total number of candidates seeking 10 elected officesthis year. The qualifying deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. in the cityclerk’s office.

Javelle C. Coleman tossed her hat into the ring for Ward TwoAlderman.

Coleman, who is making her first attempt at elected office,works as a substitute teacher at area schools. She said she isrunning in an effort to bring about change and to address importantcity issues.

“My goal is to work with the community and see where problemsand issues are that can be corrected,” Coleman said.

Coleman will face incumbent Terry Bates and Vernastine Byrd inthe Democratic primary.

In other qualifying activity, Don Godbold joined the race forWard Five alderman. A 29-year-resident of the ward making his firstattempt at elected office, Godbold touted the need to moveBrookhaven in the right direction.

“We have the potential and resources to be a major influence inthe south Mississippi market,” said Godbold, part-owner ofRiverwood Memorial Park. “I think I can be of some influence incapitalizing on our potential, not only as a city but in theward.”

Godbold qualified as a Republican, meaning he is in line to facethe winner of the Democratic primary between incumbent Tom Smithand Burnell Robinson.

Candidates who have qualified previously include:

* Mayor – incumbent Bob Massengill

* City Clerk – incumbent Mike Jinks.

* Chief of Police – incumbent Pap Henderson.

* Alderman at large – incumbent Les Bumgarner.

* Ward One alderman – incumbent Dorsey Cameron and Elisa CorleyJr.

* Ward Three alderman – incumbent Mary Wilson and Donald R.Thadison.

* Ward Four alderman – incumbent Shirley Estes.

* Ward Six alderman – incumbent John E. “Buddy” Allen and BillyG. Carson.

Massengill, Estes and Massengill are running in the Republicanprimary. All others are seeking office as Democrats.

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.