A sixth candidate has qualified to run in the Aug. 20 special election for Ward 4 councilman.
Andrita Brown filed paperwork last week and has been added to the those vying for the seat vacated by former councilman Fred Jackson. Brown joins Pat Fisher Douglas, Lavonne Latham Harris, Dorothy McClung Lewis, Pierre D. Beard Sr. and Kegdra Gibbs-Gray on the ballot for the Aug. 20 election.
Jackson resigned July 3. He was halfway though his first term, which expires July 2021.
Brown, 35, is a Columbus native who moved back in 2017 after spending two years in Pennsylvania. She owns Leighton Legacy, a project management and event company.
With her experience working with various people hosting events, Brown feels she will be an asset to Columbus. If elected, she said she wants to help residents throughout Ward 4 that were affected by February’s EF-3 tornado, as well as increasing community activities for senior citizens and the youth.
“First things that come to mind, I want to represent the people and find out what their specific needs are,” Brown said. “Another thing is expanding recreational programs, probably focus on seniors and the youth. I know that the citizens of Ward 4 have been through quite a bit especially with rapid changes in leadership and as well as the recent storm. I just think that it’s time for someone to step up who can represent each and every citizen of Ward 4.
“I love Columbus,” she added. “This is something that has been on my heart for a very long time. It popped up kind of out of nowhere, but it’s definitely something I believe I was created to do. I just really want to help the people. I’m really getting into the race to give people another option.”
The deadline for candidates to qualify is July 31.
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