With the first day to officially qualify about two weeks away, some candidates are getting a head start on their campaigns in the 2013 municipal elections.
Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board member Whirllie Byrd has announced her intent to challenge vice-mayor Bill Gavin for the city council seat in Ward 6. Gavin, the incumbent Republican, said in November he would be seeking a second term in office.
Byrd made her announcement during Monday’s CVB meeting.
“I have a vision for Columbus,” Byrd said Tuesday morning. “I would like to see a more open and transparent city government. I would like to see the citizens more involved in the government. I’ve considered this for a long time and I’ve done some soul-searching and the time seems right. I have watched what’s been going on and I think I can make the process more people-friendly. I want people to know their opinions matter. I think I can take my experience serving on the CVB and help boost tax dollars. I want Ward 6 to be the best ward it can be and keep the city first.”
Byrd, 61, said she had received a letter from the state’s ethics commission stating it is OK for her to continue to serve on the CVB board while she seeks public office.
The first day to qualify for the general election is Jan. 2, 2013.
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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