Qualifying deadline for Ward 6 vote Tuesday
Published 5:00 am Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Anyone interested in running for alderman of Ward Six in theJune 2 special election will need to let the city know by Tuesday,City Clerk Mike Jinks said.
Potential candidates must qualify with a petition bearingsignatures from 50 registered voters in Ward Six by that date.
So far two people have qualified in the election. BrookhavenParks Commission member Robert Kenny and local businessman DavidPhillips are in the running for the office.
Kenny said in preparation for the election he has been talkingwith people about things that could benefit his home area.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people and getting their ideasabout how people think things should be in Ward Six,” he said.”There have been some great ideas that have come in from people whohave just come into the ward as well.”
Phillips said he’s looking at the big picture for the communityas well.
“The city is in the process of comprehensive planning,” he said.”The future of Brookhaven’s next 20 years will unfold and if wework together and plan, we as a community will be successful.”
Jinks said no one else has shown any interest in running for thethe position.
“They’re the only two, I’ve not even heard a mention of anyoneelse wanting to run,” he said.
The election is to finish out the term of Buddy Allen, whoserved as an alderman for 13 years, and announced his resignationMarch 4, citing medical reasons. It became effective April 15.
In addition, Jinks said, the city clerk’s office will be workingovertime to insure that anyone who wants to vote in the specialelection has their chance. The office will be open for absenteevoting on Saturday, May 24, and Saturday, May 31, from 8 a.m. tonoon.
Jinks said absentee ballots can be requested by mail after May14, but must be in the city clerk’s office by Friday, May 30, at 5p.m.
The current number of voters in Ward Six is unclear since lastyear’s annexation, but previous numbers had a little under 1,300eligible voters in the ward.