By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

As the countdown to the General Election on May 5 begins, early voting is underway for the next mayor for the City of Orange.

Candidates Larry Spears Jr. and Charles Ray Thomas are in a historic election as the winner will be the first black male as mayor for Orange.

Spears currently serves as Mayor ProTem and District 6 At Large councilmember.

Current Mayor Jimmy Sims announced he would not seek re-election.

Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at the Orange Public Library located at 220 North Fifth Street in Orange, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. thru April 30.

On the final day of early voting, the polls will be open for 12 hours from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on May 1.

General Election is Saturday, May 5.

During early voting, one may also vote for two West Orange Cove Consolidayed ISD school board members to serve a three year term. Those running are Roderick Robertson – incumbant, Kianna Edwards Brooks, and Tricia Stroud.  Incumbant John Gray is not seeking re-election.

Other elections under way are:

Orange County Port Commission

Precinct 1

Keith Wallace*

Dr. Travis Miller

Precinct 4

John Young*

At-Large

Carroll G. Holt

Tim Schossow

Walter James Mullens III

Another race residents are watching is Bridge City Council Place 6 between incumbent Lucy Fields and Joseph Hannan

To vote in the Bridge City Council election, early voting is held at Bridge City ISD Administration Building 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. thru May 1.

Elections for West Orange City and Pinehurst City Council were cancelled due to no one opposing filed for the seats.

Spears running for mayor

Fields: Hardworking, Dedicated, Loyal, and Trustworthy

Hannan seeks BC Council seat