[1/20/05]The first person to sign up to run for mayor of Vicksburg this year isn’t an incumbent, a former mayor or other elected official.

John Shorter, 38, manager of a warehouse on the Vicksburg harbor, qualified Wednesday to seek the Democratic nomination on the May 3 party primary ballot.

Shorter is a first-time seeker of public office who has been critical of the current administration since it took office in 2001.

Earlier this week, Shorter accused the board of being “financially irresponsible” with taxpayers’ money, especially the $8.2 million spent downtown.

“It’s not about how an area looks. It’s about what you’re selling,” Shorter said.

Although no others have filed for the mayor’s race, Warren County District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon, 44, and Eric Rawlings, 42, who ran in the primary four years ago, have said they plan to seek the Democratic nomination.

Mayor Laurence Leyens, 40, has said he will again run as an independent candidate.

Shorter said he was compelled to run for office after being asked by several people.

“No one is truly fighting for the silent majority,” Shorter said.

In City Hall appearances, Shorter has asked the current administration to consider lowering rates for water, sewer and natural gas; to lower property taxes and to change plans for a downtown mural that depicts Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States.

The mayoral salary is now $73,500 and will increase 5 percent in 2006 under a current ordinance.

Several others have said they are considering a run for mayor as well as the two aldermen’s posts.

The deadline to qualify is March 4.

So far, only the two incumbents, North Ward Aldermen Gertrude Young and South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman have filed to seek re-election.

Both are paid $58,800 annually.

Young, 49, is a Democrat and seeking her fourth term. Warren County District 2 Supervisor Michael Mayfield, 45, has said he plans to challenge her for the Democratic nomination.

Tommie F. Rawlings, 41, a builder; Vickie Bailey, 36, director of the city’s Jackson Street Community Center; and Carl Yelverton, 58, a casino security guard, have said they will run as independents.

Their names will not appear on the ballot until the June 7 general election along with the winners of the primary races.

Beauman, 57, said he will again run as a Republican. His name will be on a separate ballot from candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.

The deadline for Vicksburg residents to qualify to vote in the primary election is April 2, and the deadline for the general election is May 7.

The winners of the three elected posts will take office July 4.