Published: October 05, 2008 12:11 am      

Quitman to elect new mayor Tuesday

The city of Quitman in Clarke County will elect a new mayor this week. Former mayor Bill Clark resigned from his post Sept. 1, so the town will hold a special election to replace him Oct. 7.

Clark resigned after selling the home he shared with his late wife, interim Mayor Robert Donald III said. That home was in the Quitman city limits. Clark's current home is not.

Candidates in the special election are former mayor Tommy Blackburn, retiree Eddie Fulton, and retiree Bernie Smith, city clerk Karen Sheperd said. Because this is a special election, candidates are not running with any party.

For the past month, Donald has held the mayor's post, which he said is easier than he thought it would be.

"It has been splendid," he said. "It's been a great month." Everything, he said, has been running smoothly - so smoothly, in fact, that he said he almost wishes he's put his name on the ballot.

On October 8, the new mayor will take over and Donald will go back to being Vice Mayor and Alderman-at-large.

Polls will be open at Quitman Volunteer Fire Department Monday from 7 a.m. to 7p.m.

If Clark had not resigned, a regular election would have taken place early next year.