The city government of Columbus will have at least one new face when the next four-year cycle begins on July 1 after Frederick Jackson defeated incumbent Marty Turner in the Ward 4 Democratic primary runoff on May 16.
How many more new faces will join Jackson will be decided Tuesday, when voters go to the polls for the general election.
Jackson, along with Ward 1 councilman Gene Taylor and Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens do not face challengers Tuesday. The other three council positions, along with the mayor’s office, will be decided Tuesday.
Mayor Robert Smith (D), is expected to easily claim his third full term as mayor in his race against Independent Montrell Coburn.
The three remaining council spots should be more competitive, however.
In Ward 3, two-term incumbent Charlie Box (R) faces Charlotte Verdell (D) while Stephen Jones (D) will seek his second term as Ward 5 councilman in his race against Mark Ward (R). In Ward 6, two-term incumbent Bill Gavin (R ) faces Whirllie Byrd (D).
Polls are open from 7 a.m. Until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
VOTER GUIDE: Read a Q&A with most candidates online at http://bit.ly/2rDlet1
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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