WEST POINT — The end of the first week of qualifying for city elections brought a list of so-far unchallenged selectmen incumbents, as well as a new candidate for mayor.
Rod Bobo, a State Farm insurance agent with an office in Columbus, is the only candidate to qualify to run for mayor as of press time today. The former Ward 1 selectman, who served one term from 2009 to 2013, is vying to replace Robbie Robinson, who decided not to run for a third term.
The Dispatch attempted multiple times last week to contact Bobo. He did not return calls or messages.
Each incumbent selectman has qualified to seek re-election — including Leta Turner of Ward 1, William Binder of Ward 2, Ken Poole of Ward 3, Keith McBrayer of Ward 4 and Jasper Pittman of Ward 5.
The qualifying deadline for this year’s municipal election is Feb. 5.
Robinson was first elected mayor in 2013 following 28 years as Clay County chancery clerk. After more than three decades as an elected official, he said he feels it’s time to retire.
“It’s been wonderful serving as the mayor and chancery clerk,” Robinson told The Dispatch. “There are such wonderful people in both the city and county, and I wish them nothing but the best.”
Party primaries are April 6 with runoffs set for April 27 if necessary. The general election is June 8.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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