Filing update for area

With only a few days left to file for the April 2008 election, cities have reported a little increase in candidate filings.

As of Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, area cities and their filing status include:

* Clerk Erma Branum with the city of Arbyrd was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon, but the latest report was that Paul Phillips filed to run against Incumbent Mayor Lonnie Gibson, Jr. Incumbent Jessica Zolman has filed again for North Ward Alderman, two-year term. Incumbent Ron Branum has filed for the seat of North Ward Alderman, one-year term. Johnnie Zolman has filed to run against Branum. Robert Burgess is the only candidate to file for the South Ward Alderman seat.

* Cardwell's new city clerk Mary Vaughn said the city has had two to file for the open positions, one north ward and one south ward alderman seat. Judith Oravet has filed for the south ward alderman seat currently held by Rebecca Hall, and Irvin Harper has filed for the north ward alderman seat currently held by John Bishop.

* Clerk Jerry Gray with the city of Holcomb was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon as well, but her latest report included: Incumbent Terry Roberts has been the only one to file for the south ward alderman seat, while the north ward alderman seat remains unclaimed. Gray herself has filed again for city clerk.

* City Clerk Penny McLarty with the City of Hornersville said Johnny Van Nunnery and Chief Carl Pierce have both filed for Chief of Police. Glen Burress and Incumbent Greg Fletcher have filed for the south ward alderman, two-year term. Gary Brown withdrew from the race. Incumbent Marty Goff filed again for his seat as North Ward Alderman, with a two-year term, as well as Ronald G. Coleman and new candidate, Rondia Rauls, have filed for the North Ward, two-year term position.

* City Clerk Brenda Privett with the City of Kennett said Incumbent James "Jingo" Cole filed again for Ward 2 councilman. Incumbent Tony Crawford filed again for Ward 3, and Incumbent Tracy Smith filed again for Ward 5. Smith has an opponent now, Gene Watts, who has filed for the alderman seat. Incumbent Patty Webb has filed again seeking to serve residents of Ward I.

* Clerk Kathy Morgan with the City of Senath said there have been no more to file since the last update which include: Incumbent Bud Brooks filed again for North Ward alderman. John Holmes filed for South Ward Alderman, two-year term. Incumbent Junior Jaco will be running against Holmes seeking to keep his seat as south ward alderman.

In addition to electing councilmen, the voters of Senath will also get the chance to determine whether or not the city council and mayor get to appoint a marshall or if they would rather leave it up to the voters to decide each election.

Candidates can file for a seat through 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008.