At least one at-the-wire bid to qualify for a Monticellomunicipal office likely will be rejected, town officials said.

Three candidates, including incumbent Ward One Alderman JerryGood, submitted qualifying papers Friday in the hours before thefiling deadline, City Clerk Ruth Spicer said.

“There were some papers turned in late last Friday,” Spicersaid, “but I don’t think some of the names will qualify.”

If qualifying papers are rejected, those candidates will not beable to join the campaign. The deadline to file was 5 p.m.Friday.

Spicer would not identify any potential candidates whose papersmight be rejected. She did say the race in question would not havebeen a challenge to incumbents Mayor David Nichols or Ward TwoAlderman Steve Moreman, who are unopposed.

“I don’t want to tell you before I can notify the candidate ofthe problem,” Spicer said.

The city clerk did not know when the town’s electioncommissioners would meet to certify the candidates.

Prior to Goode’s qualification Friday, Nichols and Moreman werethe only two incumbents seeking re-election. Both are vying for athird term.

“I’m just thankful the citizens of Monticello have confidenceand trust in the leadership we’ve been able to provide for the lasteight years, and I’m looking forward to continued prosperity andgrowth for our town,” Nichols said. “I am truly honored at theopportunity to serve our fine citizens for another four years.”

Goode is the only incumbent being challenged. Amos Bridges andRobert Collier have qualified to run for his seat.

Decisions by Ward Three Alderman George Magee, Ward FourAlderman Dick Reeves and Ward Five Alderman Pete Mathews not toseek re-election mean half the town leadership will change inJune.

One change already has occurred. Mathews resigned in January,when he moved out of the district. Aldermen appointed Steve Clyburnto serve in the interim. Clyburn did not seek election.

Nichols said he regretted to see the incumbent aldermen optagainst running but was excited at the prospects of having newmembers on the board.

“I think it will be an opportunity,” he said. “I think it willbring new insight and philosophies that should do nothing but makeour city better.”