Morris, Brown file for Piggott mayor

Clay County Clerk Pat Poole reports that one local race will be contested in November, as the deadline for candidates to file for the municipal election draws near. The deadline for candidates to file for the Nov. 2, election is noon, Tuesday, Aug. 24. Tuesday the first challenger filed the necessary paperwork to take part in the election, as Danny Brown filed as a candidate for mayor of Piggott. He'll be facing incumbent mayor Gerald Morris, who filed his paperwork seeking re-election earlier this month.

Brown, a longtime local resident, is retired from the Arkansas State Police. As of Tuesday afternoon he had not made an official announcement of his candidacy.

This fall Piggott residents also will be considering candidates for city clerk, city attorney and two of the four aldermen seats. As of Tuesday, all the incumbents had filed for re-election without opposition.

Clerk Ramona Magee and city attorney John Lingle recently submitted their petitions to seek re-election. Also filing with the clerk's office are the two incumbent aldermen, Carl Birmingham in north ward, position two, and Tommy Risinger for south ward, position two.

The terms of the other two aldermen, Lester Edwards, Jr. and Jim Poole, do not expire until the end of 2011. This marks the first election cycle in which only two of the aldermen are up for re-election after the city council voted to stagger the terms two years ago.

Poole also noted the final day to register for the 2010 General Election is Friday, Oct. 1, as state law stipulates that voters register at least 30 days prior to the election.

Those wanting more information on voter registration, or the municipal election, may contact the clerk's office at 598-2813.