Candidates Qualify For City Positions

 By David Howell

Editor

WATER VALLEY – Two contested races in Water Valley have already emerged a week into the two-month qualifying period for this summer’s municipal elections. Incumbent Donald Gray and Amos Harvey have qualified for the Alderman-at-Large position and incumbent Bobby Cox and Kagan Coughlin have qualified for Ward One Aldermen.

Incumbent Ward Two Alderman Fred White also qualified to seek another term. White has served seven terms as Ward Two Aldermen and had the only contested race on the 2013 ballot in Water Valley when Ray Hawkins ran against him. Hawkins won the election, but vacated the position before taking office after learning there was a conflict with his full-time job as assistant chief at University Police Department. White was appointed to the position and served until a special election was held, which he won. 

Incumbent Ward Three Alderman Phillip Tallant also qualified to seek another term. 

All six of the candidates qualified to run as a Democrat. 

Last week incumbent Mayor Larry Hart told the Herald he plans to seek another term. 

In Coffeeville and Oakland, no candidates have turned in qualifying paperwork to seek office as of presstime Tuesday.

“We have had a number of people pick up qualifying paperwork but nobody has brought it back yet,” reported a City Hall spokesperson.

Candidates must qualify by 5 p.m. Friday, March 3 to run for municipal office. Tuesday, May 2 is Primary Election Day, and the Primary Runoff Day is Tuesday, May 16. The General Election is scheduled June 6.