Wednesday opening day for qualifying for municipal races

Published 12:00 am Saturday, July 3, 2004

Now that the primary season is over, the residents of Greenville can get down to business of a municipal election, and that kicks off on Tuesday.

According to Sue Arnold, assistant city clerk, qualifying for the 2004 Mayor and City Council seats begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 7.

So what do you need to do to run for mayor?

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First, you must be 18-years-old and registered to vote.

By virtue of age, you are qualified to mayor.

However, to qualify to run, you must also visit Greenville City Hall and fill out forms and pay a $50 qualifying fee.

After that, you are ready to run for the mayor's office.

Arnold said the same applies to the council districts.

First, you must be 18 and registered to vote.

Then to qualify to run office, there are the forms and the $50 fee to pay.

She pointed out that all five council seats are up for grabs.

Current council members are Susan Samford Murphy, who is running for the District 1 seat.

When she announces she is qualified, this will be her first run for political office.

She was appointed to fill the un-expired term of Gale Slagley.

Ed Sims, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left when Steve Norman was appointed Probate Judge, currently represents District 2.

Otto Duke is the incumbent for District 3.

James Lewis, who was just honored for 20 years of service on the City Council, represents District 4.

Jeddo Bell, is completing his second term in office.

Mayor Dexter McLendon plans to seek the city's highest office once more. He is completing his first term as mayor.

This followed two terms on the City Council.

In the last municipal election, a few people moved into town long enough to run for office.

However, under Alabama Code, all registered and qualified voters who have resided within the corporate limits of Greenville for a minimum of 30 days immediately preceding the date of the election, and who are qualified to vote in the county precinct in which the voter resides, will be authorized to participate in the election.

Arnold added that you must live in the city limits for a period of 90 days total prior to the election.

The election takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

If a run-off is needed, that will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004.