This also presents a predicament for Jake Middleton, who hasn't filed yet. He could file as an Independent, which had been rumored. However, that would result in a three way race - Graning, Middleton, West. In that scenario, West wins. Or as is likely, Middleton could run as a Democrat in a head to head race with West. Middleton has more of a chance there, but West is still the favorite in a Democratic Primary. Then the winner of the Primary takes on Graning, and that could be close.
City Clerk Donnie Holloway and Municipal Judge Jim Blough have no opponents so far, and probably won't have any.
The Alderwoman for Ward 1, Democrat Joyce Arceneaux Mathis, has four Democratic opponents. Paul Johnson, the current Fire Chief, is one, and he should be a strong candidate. Jim Sanders is another, and he'll run a good race, too. Jim is very active in the community, and he almost always attends the meetings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. It amazes me the number of City candidates who have never attended a meeting, but still think they'll be able to do a good job. The other candidate is Sonya Anderson Mars, about whom I know nothing. Perhaps a commenter could enlighten me. This is my Ward, and I can assure you I will not be voting for the incumbent.
I can't imagine anyone beating Democratic Alderman Ricky Gray in Ward 2, but there are two other Democrats who will be trying: Johnny Franklin and Larry Hooper Jr.
The only person who has filed in Ward 3 is Republican incumbent Bob Pollard, but I feel sure there will be a Democrat who files.
Ward 4 should be a very interesting race. Democratic incumbent Bubber West has filed for reelection, but two other Democratic candidates have also filed. Tony Fields is a very impressive young man who'll give Bubber a run for his money. I'm not familiar with Donnell Newsome, the other candidate.
The incumbent in Ward 5, David Massey, has not filed for reelection, as expected. The only person filed is Democrat Mark Fortenberry.
Ward 6 will not have an incumbent either, as Middleton is running for Mayor. There are two declared candidated, both Democrats: Dan Dillard and Forrest Foster.
Of course, there's still time for more candidates. The filing deadline isn't until next Friday, March 7.
What do you know about all these candidates?
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16 comments:
I think if you want West out, let Jake run. He had his name in the hat first even though he has not qualified everyone knows he is running. He has political experience. I'm sure Granning is a nice person but he is an insurance salesman--this is a ridiculous move. The vote will be split. West will be back.
You're right. No way Granning will win. He's a nice guy, I'm sure, but a lot of us don't know him. I think he lived out of town for many years, hasn't been involved in local politics, probably never attended the first city council meeting, and probably has had no real understanding as to why we need new faces on that city council.
Yes, I agree, not only has Granning not held a local government postion, he most likely has never attended a city council meeting or supervisor meeting nor has he been politically involved in the community. I know the group who initiated this, feel that he will be malleable and answer to their commands and wishes but once you become mayor you answer to the entire community and I'm sure it is much more difficult trying to please everyone than it looks. I know Jake is an honest, straightforward, and hardworking person with many years of experience.
I think this meddling group will regret their actions.
Thank God Paul Johnson has thrown his hat into the ring against Joyce Mathis. He actually has a good chance of beating her. As much as I like and respect Jim Sanders, unfortunately the demographics do not favor him. He would be doing the residents of Ward 1 a tremendous favor by withdrawing from the race.
Sanders - WITHDRAW!
Granning - WITHDRAW!
The best thing you can do for the community is to WITHDRAW.
WOW! A local nice guy who has "never held a government position"? What better recommendation could there be for the man? The whole bunch of cheating rascals who have been running our city deserve a loooooong vacation. I say let's give them what they deserve!
Yes. That does make sense. We probably need someone who doesn't come to the race with all that "knowledge" of the usual political shenanigans like we've had around here forever. And, from what I've heard Chick Granning has the beginnings of a wonderful platform.
I agree that Chick Graning is a wonderful person. But, why is he really running. Is it just to because there is a group that wants the whole administration changed and can't find anyone willing. From what I have heard, they have asked just about everyone in town. I cannot for the live of me figure out what they have against Middleton. Maybe because he doesn't always agree with everything "they" think. And from what I know of some of these, "they" think they know more than anyone else. Most of their opinions are based on personal reflections and not what is necessarily best for all. Middleton is a very honest person that truly loves Natchez and believes he can and wants to make a difference. He really "wants" to be mayor. He is not running because a group that wants control is begging him to.
Chick needs to be wary of those begging for someone to run. What is their motive. Do they just want someone they can control rule or do they really care about our town.
Let me be the first to comment on my own comment. Sorry for the grammar errors. Got in a hurry and forgot to proof. Would surely get an F on that one. Sorry, I certainly know better. But the message is the same.
With Chick in the race Middleton will have to run as a democrat (his best chance of winning anyway. He could run as a Republican - big mistake - if he runs as an independent he will split the white vote and West wins again.
I still can't see West losing to Middleton in a head to head race. Chick may do better, few negatives - no record to defend, His wife Lil is well know and will help his election run.
Middleton is Sue Stedman and Johnny Junkin and the republican's candidate
Well, we wouldn't have the problem of splitting the vote if Chick was not running. This is the problem HE caused, not Jake!!
Chick could do all a favor and withdraw.
The white vote won't be split - West and Middleton are both running as Democrat's - will run directly against each other in the Democratic Primary. West will probably win 52- 48 - may be a bit closer if Middleton can raise large chunks of money and campaigns hard ---
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Chick in the General Election - If West is defeated I suspect Chick may withdraw - Chick will give a second chance to defeat West - I actually think Chick has a better chance than Middleton but Middleton's wife is a doctor and could provide some serious funding to his campaign, this will be needed. It will be an interesting election. If West wants to win he will - It is going to be an expensive election.
I completely disagree. If Middleton can't beat West as a Democrat, Granning has absolutely NO CHANCE as an independent. And yes, Chick Granning is a nice guy. But, the people backing him are not so pleasant. I've already heard reports of their rudeness from people making political phone calls. Instead of just saying, "no thanks, I'm supporting whoever," they are being totally rude. By the way, one person who made rude comments owns a jewelry store downtown. Needless to say, word has gotten out about that conversation and there are about 500 campaigners that will never visit that store again. Can we not be polite and civil to one another?? Is the bitterness towards some of the board really warranted to that degree? Some people act like children.
alderman middleton never did anything in 20 years on the board but draw a check
Never did anything? Wrong. Draw a check? What's their pay, like $20,000?? Could not pay me those peanuts for that job. Plus, Middleton doesn't do it for the money, he doesn't need it. It's amazing anyone wants that job for that pay, they have to constantly put up with negative nellies like you who only complain and offer no solutions.
Granning was football coach, yeah, nice credentials to be mayor. What a joke.
with friends like willie jones and danny barber in key positions in his administration, how can we vote for you mr west
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