Election season in the Bay
By Dwayne Bremer
Jan 8, 2013, 17:31
If this year's Bay St. Louis municipal elections are anything like the 2009 campaign, it's sure to be an interesting next few months.
The mayor's seat, six council spots, and a councilman-at-large position are all up for grabs this year.
The qualifying period has begun and some candidates have already picked up election packets, Bay election official Paula Fairconnetue said Monday. Candidates have until March 8 to qualify.
Bay St. Louis has a primary system, meaning there will be a primary election on May 7 for Democratic and Republican candidates.
Party-affiliated candidates are required to declare their affiliations and pay a small fee prior to running.
Independent candidates must get 50 signatures before qualifying.
The winners of the respective primaries will take on each other and any independent candidates at the general election on June 4. So far, no candidates have officially qualified; however, several have indicated they plan on running this year.
Incumbent Mayor Les Fillingame announced last month that he plans on seeking re-election.
Former Bay Mayor Eddie Favre said recently that he is considering a run at his old job, but he has not made a decision.
On the council side, Ward Six Councilman Joey Boudin, Ward Four Councilman Bobby Compretta, Ward Three Councilman Jeff Reed, and Ward Two Councilwoman Wendy McDonald have all said they will be running again.
Ward Five Councilman Ray Kidd was unavailable for comment this week and Councilman-At-Large Billy Taylor said Tuesday that he is still undecided about running this year.
Ward One Councilman Doug Seal, who traditionally runs as an Independent, has indicated that he plans on running once again.
This year's elections will be slightly different than in years past.
The city's wards will be slightly different this year than in the past due to redistricting.
Residents are urged to learn if they are now in different ward. Anyone who wants to know which ward they are in can call city hall, officials said.
Additionally, new residents have until April 7 to register at the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's Office.
