Another local political dignitary has jumped on the campaigntrail for the 2009 Brookhaven municipal elections.

The City Clerk’s office confirmed that Karen L. Sullivan, wifeof late former Mayor Doug Sullivan, has submitted her papers andpetition as an Independent candidate for alderman at large.

Sullivan, who has served as chairman of the chamber ofcommerce’s community appearance committee and education committee,as well as serving on Brookhaven’s 2008 Comprehensive PlanningAdvisory Committee, is currently a part-time English teacher atBrookhaven High School.

“This is my first opportunity to seek a leadership role with theCity of Brookhaven,” she said. “There is no doubt that Brookhavenis enjoying a momentum that is moving it to its full potential, andI have the energy, education, and experience to be an integral partof this positive direction. Add my enthusiasm and excitement to themix and I make a candidate who will serve this community well.”

Because Sullivan is running as an Independent, the names on herpetition are being verified, said officials in the city clerk’soffice. Sullivan said though she only needed 50 names, shecollected 57 just to make sure.

Sullivan said she is running as an Independent in order tobetter accommodate Brookhaven’s diverse population.

“I have a great deal of respect for the party system, and Ibelieve it is needed.” She said. “However, we are a diversecommunity with citizens from all walks of life and various partyaffiliations. I respect that and my goal is to represent themall.”

Being at her husband’s side during his tenure as mayor from1993-1997 gave Sullivan a clear view of a vision she wanted topursue, she said, seeing the progress that can be made when thecity cooperates with Lincoln County and the chamber ofcommerce.

“I learned from him that a cooperative spirit is key toaccomplishing short-term as well as long-term goals,” she said.”Doug’s focus was always people. If I can remember that people area city’s best investment, I cannot go wrong.”

And hearing the needs of those people will be her firstplatform, she said.

“My overall focus as alderman will be an enhanced quality oflife for all. The specific focus of my energies will be determinedby my constituents, because people want their voices to be heard,”she said. “I did not become passionate about Brookhaven when thisoffice became vacant; I am simply ready to give back to mycommunity to ensure a better quality of life for everycitizen.”

Sullivan will face local developer Republican Terry Pappas andformer Ward Three and At-Large Alderman L. Ralph Smith.

The week also brought the first qualification of the races inWards Five and Six.

Democratic Ward Six candidate Robert Kenny of 305 MontgomeryStreet ran previously against current Ward Six Alderman DavidPhillips in a special election in April when Buddy Allen resigned.Kenny cast his hat back in the ring Wednesday. Republican Phillipsstill has not qualified.

In Ward Five, Fletcher Grice of 707 Brookwood Dr. qualified onFriday as a Republican. There is also still no word from Democratincumbent D.W. Maxwell.

Other election qualifiers to date are:

Mayor:

* The Rev. Jerry Wilson, D

* Alderman at Large Les Bumgarner, I

City Clerk:

* Incumbent Mike Jinks, D

Police Chief:

* Incumbent Arlustra “Pap” Henderson, D

Ward One:

* Incumbent Dorsey Cameron, D

* Elisa Corley, D

Ward Two:

* Idella Sanders, D

Ward Four:

* Incumbent Shirley Estes, R

* David Smith, D

The qualifying deadline is Friday, March 6, with the primaryelections to take place May 5.

The general election will be held June 2.