Last incumbent qualifies for race
Published 6:00 am Monday, March 7, 2005
Wesson saw three more candidates last week emerge in races formunicipal offices as the qualifying period drew to a closeFriday.
Incumbent Ward One Alderman Robert Derrick and challenger DianeKeys joined previous qualifiers Andi Ellison Farrish and KennethRoberts in the campaign for Derrick’s office, said Wesson CityClerk Linda Dykes.
In Ward Three, Billy Ellison, Farrish’s brother, has arisen tochallenge incumbent Alderwoman Lura Greer for that post, Dykessaid.
Incumbents are seeking re-election in all municipal races withthe exception of the unopposed alderman-at-large campaign, whichwill go to board newcomer Van Graham.
Incumbent Mayor Alton Shaw and Ward Two Alderman John Welter arealso unopposed in the June 7 municipal election.
“I hope that says people agree with what we’re doing and want tosee us continue in the same direction,” Shaw said.
Welter, who won his third unconsecutive term as a Wessonalderman, said he was overjoyed when the deadline passed and heremained unopposed.
“I was kind of sweating it there for a while,” he said.
Welter was an alderman from 1989-1993, but was defeated when hepursued his second term. He was re-elected four years ago andsucceeded in winning a second consecutive term with the passage ofFriday’s deadline.
“I’m looking forward to the next four years,” he said.”Hopefully, we can move forward a bit more.”
Shaw said Graham will be a welcome addition to the board.
“I think he’ll represent the town well. He’s been coming to themeetings off and on for at least several years,” he said.
Wesson’s municipal election is non-partisan.