Aldermen may face heavy opposition

McMinnville Aldermen, from left, Jimmy Haley, Bobby Kirby and Michael Chrisawn could face opposition from up to six candidates in November.

All three incumbents, Jimmy Haley, Bobby Kirby and Michael Chrisawn, have returned their papers and qualified to seek second terms in their positions. They are joined in qualifying by political newcomer Greg Smartt who will also be on the ballot Nov. 7.

In the meantime, there are five other potential entries into the city election, with two having prior aldermanic experience. Both Jimmy Bonner and Billy Wood have qualifying papers, but had yet to return them yesterday afternoon.

To qualify a candidate must be a city resident and obtain 25 signatures of registered city voters. Qualifying deadline is this Thursday at noon.

Bonner was recently defeated in an aldermanic election while Wood stepped down from the council after an unsuccessful bid for mayor six years ago against current Mayor Royce Davenport.

The mayoral seat, along with three other alderman seats held by Patti Nunley, Donald Hillis and Rick Barnes, will be up for election two years from now as the four-year terms are staggered.

Joining Wood and Bonner as potential candidates are ambulance service director Leonard Madewell, local investment broker Dave Wideman and Caney Fork employee Mary Shirley-Roller.