Monday’s special election for Ward Six alderman will determinewho will help shape the future of the ward and the city for atleast the next year and possibly beyond.

Brookhaven Parks Commission member Robert Kenny and localbusinessman David Phillips, who also serves on the BrookhavenPlanning Commission, are asking to be alderman for thenorth-central portion of the city. Monday’s winner will fill theseat vacated by John E. “Buddy” Allen, who cited health reasons inhis decision to step down in April.

Either Kenny or Phillips will serve the remainder of Allen’sterm through next June. Regular municipal elections for mayor,chief of police and the alderman posts are scheduled for nextyear.

It is important to remember that Monday’s contest will be thefirst election held under new ward lines following a cityannexation that became official in 2007.

Ward line redistricting shifted some people into Ward Six andmoved a handful out, and new Ward Six voters need to be aware thatthey are eligible to participate Monday. A map of the new Ward Sixcan be found on today’s front page.

With Brookhaven facing continuing challenges in attractingbusiness and industry and providing needed city services whilemeeting those and other municipal obligations within theconstraints of tightening budget times, it is vital that votershave knowledgeable and well-qualified representatives on the boardof aldermen. A question-and-answer session found on today’s frontpage will help voters learn more about the candidates and theirviews on some important issues.

Ward Six voters need to evaluate the two candidates and then goto the polls Monday to make their decisions known.