Georgiana readies for election
Published 12:00 am Saturday, July 3, 2004
The City of Georgiana has begun readying for its August elections.
On August 24 the city's voters will go to the polls to elect a City Council and Mayor.
Since qualifying will not begin until Tuesday July 6, it is not known if anyone will challenge the current officials.
However, all of the current city officials are expected to run.
Lynn H. Watson, who has served as mayor for the last 16 years, is expected to defend his post.
Watson will hope to gain his fifth term.
All city council members are also expected to make another run.
Mike Middleton, one of three newcomers to the council, will shoot for a second term in District One.
Ann Jean Abrams will attempt to gain a third term in the District Two slot.
Abrams has served eight years on the council and hopes to continue her service in August.
District Three will see Jackie C. Gandy also seeking a reelection in August.
Robert L. Wilson, the senior member of the council, will be looking to step into his fifth term on the council.
Wilson has served on the council for 16 years and hopes to make it an even 20 after the August elections.
Jerry M. Peak will make another run at the District Five slot.
Peak was another newcomer to the council and hopes to gain a second term.
For those who wish to challenge the current mayor and council members, qualifying will begin on July 6.
Qualifying will continue until July 20 at 5 p.m.
Georgiana City Clerk Barbara Clem said those who wish to qualify should come see her within that period of time.
"They need to come to City Hall to the City Clerks office to qualify," said Clem. "They can come see me within that period of time and get it taken care of."
There will be a $25 fee for those who wish to qualify for any office.
The election will begin August 24 at 7 a.m. The polls will remain open until 7 p.m. to give everyone a chance to vote.
Voting locations for each district will be:
District One-Georgiana High School
District Two-Robert L. Austin School
District Three-Multi-Purpose Senior School
District Four-National Guard Armory
District Five-Georgiana Community House
Clem said it was very important that people know where they were supposed to vote when Election Day rolls around.
"People really need to be aware of where they vote," said Clem. "I think that is really important."
Clem said if anyone has any reason to change their voting location they should to let her know.
"If people have moved or have any reason to update their voter information they need to take care of that," said Clem. "I have update forms here at city hall, or they can see the board of registrars at the courthouse."
Clem said taking care of this information in a timely manner is very important to make the election go smoothly.
"It is very important because we have to take the information we have and the information the county has and make sure we have everyone in the right district," said Clem. "It can be very time consuming."
Should a runoff be required it will be held Sept. 14,