Qualifying for the upcoming Douglas city elections ended Friday and local residents can start expecting to see some familiar faces as campaigns get underway.
Former Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk is looking to regain his former position and will be the sole opposition to current mayor, James Dennis. Johnnie Lee Roper, another familiar face among municpal voters, will be looking to fill a seat on the city commission in Ward 1. Roper, along with Cheryl Denise Cunningham, has qualified to run against incumbent Richard Lee Hutchinson. In Ward 2, sitting commissioner Mary Swain will face opposition from Kentaiwon Durham. Current Ward 6 Commissioner Bob Moore will also face a challenge from Dawn Trimm-Jones.
Commissioners Dennis Josey and Ronnie Anderson will not be seeking reelection after failing to qualify Friday. Douglas attorney Mike Gowen will be running unopposed for Josey’s Ward 4 spot, with local businesswoman Cynthia D. McNeil also facing no opposition in Ward 5.
Ward 3 Commissioner Olivia Pearson is also running unopposed.