Qualifying ends, races shape up

The current mayors of Concord and Molena will have some competition this election since additional candidates have qualified. Incumbent mayor of Concord Jim Roberts will be running against Doug Neath. Molena’s current mayor Brian Callaway will be running against Jay Garner, who will have to give up his council seat for the opportunity. The law states that when a council member qualifies for a city position other than the one held, he automatically resigns his council position. Garner took office in January. In Concord, incumbent John Strickland qualified for Post 1 and newcomer Jacob Clay qualified for Post 2. In Molena, no one qualified for Post 1, formerly held by Richard Beckham. A special election must be held to fill the position. Incumbent Linda Holloway qualified for Post 2 with no opposition. In Zebulon, incumbent William Thomas will run against challenger Joanne Tucker for the District 1, Post 1 seat. Incumbent Rick O’Barr will run against challenger Joseph Walter for the District 2, Post 2 office. In Williamson, there is no opposition with Post 3 incumbent Christopher A. ‘Andy’ Allen and Post 2 incumbent Lynn Hubbard as the only candidates who qualified. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The last day to register is Oct. 7 at the registrar’s office in the courthouse.These are qualifying results as of 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30.