Two Vie for Mayor Pro-tem

Two people are vying for the office of Mayor Pro-tem for Monticello after qualification went quietly last week until the final day, when actually three people qualified.

Seeking the post in the November 7 election will be Russell Gross and Ronald James. Mr. Gross is a resident of College Street, and Mr. James lives on Hilton Street.

Also qualifying Friday, then withdrawing from the race was Molly Pompey, former employee of the city of Monticello. Mrs. Pompey said this week that she withdrew because she did not want to split the African-American vote. She said she will support Mr. James, and she feels he will be as powerful a voice as she felt she would be.

Mayor Pro-tem is elected city-wide, and serves basically as an at-large council member. Four council member are elected from two districts in Monticello, making the mayor pro tem the fifth council member. He serves in the mayor’s place when the mayor is unavailable. The position has been vacant since Otis Clark resigned in February.

Persons wishing to vote in the upcoming mayor pro-tem election must live in the city, and can register until October 10 to vote in the November 10 election.