A total of seven candidates qualified last week to seek election in the Cairo municipal election on Nov. 5.
The qualifying period concluded at 4:30 p.m. Friday and two previously unannounced candidates came forward to qualify with city officials.
In District 1, three candidates are vying for the council seat including incumbent Councilman Lannis Thornton, Alicia Byrden Gurley and Sharon Ann Williams. Gurley had previously announced her plans to run for the District 1 seat, but Williams was a surprise candidate who qualified late Friday afternoon.
In District 3, incumbent Councilman Bobby Gwaltney is being challenged by political newcomer Timia LaShea Brown. Both had previously announced their intentions to run.
And, in District 5, incumbent Councilman Jerry Cox will face Emory Thomas Sr.
The Messenger attempted to contact Thomas for an interview, however telephone numbers provided by Thomas as contact numbers were either disconnected or not accepting calls, and he did not respond to email. According to Thomas’ qualifying form, he is a private investigator and resides at 1117 Summerfield Dr. N.W.
In addition to the city council races, Cairo voters will also be asked whether or not to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages, either by the drink or package sales, on Sundays.
Read more about District 1 candidate Williams in this issue of The Messenger. The newspaper has previously published spotlights on the three incumbents as well as candidates Gurley and Brown.
