“FoFo” Gilich this afternoon became the first Biloxi resident to file paperwork with the Municipal Clerk declaring his intent to run for mayor in the special election scheduled for April 28.
Under the state-required process for the special election, would-be candidates must file a Qualifying Statement of Intent, along with 50 signatures of registered Biloxi voters, with the Municipal Clerk.
Candidates have until April 8 at 5 p.m. to file the required paperwork. “Our hope,” said Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols, “is that candidates will turn in the necessary paperwork as soon as they can.”
Once the April 8 deadline has passed, signatures will be verified, and, upon verification, the Biloxi Municipal Election Commission would certify the candidates.
Would-be voters, meantime, have until Saturday, March 28 at noon to register. Those who have not already registered or have moved are required to register.
News about the election: The Voter Information page on the city website has been updated to include key dates for the upcoming special election and candidate qualifying forms, and the page will be updated as each candidate files their intent.
See the Voter Information page
Political signs have placement, size regulations
Code enforcement officers will be ensuring that political signs adhere to city regulations governing political signs in the period leading up the April 28 special election, reports Acting Mayor Kenny J. Glavan.
“We realize that there are going to be cases where supporters of candidates may not be aware of regulations regarding signage,” said Glavan, the Ward 6 councilmember who was appointed acting mayor by his fellow councilmembers until the special election. “What we’re saying is that we want everyone to be aware of the regulations and to adhere to them.”
City ordinance prohibits political signs being placed in public rights-of-way, and no political signs can be larger than 16-square feet, or 4-feet-by-4 feet.
“I’m sure that everyone wants to abide by the regulations, especially, since this election is to decide who occupies the city’s highest office,” Glavan said. “What better way than to follow the existing regulations?”
Read the city’s sign ordinance