Two Nov. 6 Slates Thin

 As the local election season began in earnest over the weekend, two of the rosters have thinned.

Advance preparation for the League of Women Voters candidates' forum revealed that the City Council at-large race and the school board contest have each lost one candidate.

Republican William Amirault has dropped out of competition with Democratic candidate, Rev. Tracey Brown, and Independent Gloria Henriques for the four-year citywide at-large council seat. The Third Ward race still has three candidates - Democrat Adrian Mapp, Independent Tom Turner and Republican Randy Bullock - vying for a four-year term.

Incumbent appointee Susan Phifer has withdrawn as a candidate for a three-year term on the Board of Education. That leaves five people running for three three-year seats in the first-ever November contest for school board seats. The City Council approved the move from an April election over objections in February. Those remaining on the ballot for full three-year terms are Jackie D. Coley, incumbent Keisha Edwards, and a slate including Mahogany Hendricks, Catherine Crittendon and Dollie S. Hamlin that was announced at Democratic Party headquarters on Primary Day (see post). The ballot will also have a one-year unexpired term on the school board for which Delois Dameron and Frederick D. Moore Sr. are competing.

Voters will also be asked whether or not a Charter Study Commission should be seated. Seven candidates filed to fill five seats on the commission, but will not serve if the establishment of such a commission fails to win approval. The candidates are Ricky Allen Smiley, Jeanette Criscione, John Stewart, Mary Burgwinkle, John R. Davis III Marie L. Davis and Carrell E. Martin. Plaintalker will post more about the Charter Study question later.

Tuesday, Oct. 16 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election. It is a presidential election year, in case you haven't noticed. Click here for presidential and vice-presidential debate dates and formats.

--Bernice