Eaves out of South Ward election

Published 12:00 am Monday, March 12, 2001

[03/12/01] Citing health problems, former Warren County supervisor Royce Eaves dropped out of the South Ward alderman’s race Friday.

“I really just don’t feel up to making the race,” the 69-year-old said after officially withdrawing at City Hall.

Eaves’ departure narrows the Democratic field in that race to two candidates, Pam Johnson, 35, owner of a local hair salon; and Carl Marshall Upton, 41, a self-employed electrician.

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Eaves, who did not seek a second term as a county supervisor after serving one term from 1996 to 2000, said he decided to quit because he had not recovered from recent surgery as quickly as he expected.

By narrowing the Democratic primary ballot to two candidates, his decision eliminates the possibility of a runoff in the primary election. The winner between Upton and Johnson will advance to face the winner of the Republican primary and two independents.

Eaves did not say if the decision was politically motivated in any way.

As for future campaigns, he said, “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Other candidates in the South Ward race are Sidney H. Beauman Jr., 52, director of the city’s parks and recreation department, and restaurant manager Sam Smith, 37. They will face off in the Republican primary on May 1. The winner will meet independents Ashlea Mosley, 18, and Vickie Bailey, 33, assistant director of the city’s Department of Youth Services, in the June 5 general election.

In other races, Mayor Robert Walker, 56, is seeking a third term at the city’s helm. He will face Eric Rawlings, 38, in the May 1 primary elections.

The winner of that race will go on to face independent candidates Laurence Leyens, 36, Joe Loviza, 61, and Eva Marie Ford, 63, in the June 5 general election.

In the North Ward alderman’s race, incumbent Gertrude Young, 45, is being challenged by business owner Rodney E. Dillamar, 41, and retired educator Jo Pratt, 67, in the Democratic primary election.

The winner will advance to face Sylvester Walker, 40, in the general election for the $45,491-a-year city post.

Residents who have never voted in Vicksburg or Warren County or have moved have until noon March 31 to register to vote in the primary elections or noon May 5 to vote in the general election.

For voter registration, the City Clerk’s Office will extend its hours during the last week. Hours will be 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Monday, March 26 to Friday, March 30 and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, March 31.

Absentee ballots for the primary elections will be available beginning March 19.