On November 5 the city of Martin will elect a mayor to a four-year term. The two candidates for the job have been chosen. They are Mayor Larry Taylor and Randy Brundige.

Mayor Taylor, who has served the city of Martin for the past two terms, is vying for a third term. Brundige has been an alderman in Martin for the past four years. This is his first mayoral race.

During his term Mayor Taylor has had several notable accomplishments. The most recent being the acknowledgement made in the Weakley County Press on Thursday.

An article stated that the city of Martin was very "fiscally" sound.

During Taylor's term as mayor Martin has earned an "A2" rating through a rating service provided by Moody Investors Service.

The report stated that Martin "is based on well-managed financial operations including ample reserves and a stable economy anchored by institutional activity and a low amount of rapidly retired debt."

Brundige, a Martin alderman and businessman, sees many changes that need to be made in the way the city government is run in Martin.

He plans on improving the management of the city government, expanding the economy in Martin to allow new businesses and industries to come to Martin, and he wants to unite the university, community, and citizens of Martin.

Brundige also thinks this is a time for growth in Martin, a time to bring new tax dollars to the city to promote greater economic opportunities.

Brundige stated, "I have lived here in Martin all my life. My kids go to school in Martin.”

This city is close to my heart and the people of Martin can know, without a doubt, that Martin is an will be number one on my priority list if you elect me as your next mayor.”

Brundige's father, the late H.C. "Ham" Brundige was elected as mayor of Martin twice.

If you would like to meet these two candidates a debate has been set for Oct. 10, 2002, at 7 p.m., in the UC Auditorium.

Four questions will be presented from The Pacer and SGA live during the debate.

All UTM students are encouraged to attend and meet the candidates.

All UTM students who are registered to vote in Weakley are eligible to vote in this next mayor election on Nov. 5.

Also on the ballot will be a referendum to decide if a state lottery should be amended and the much debated "liquor by the drink" referendum will be on the ballot on November 5.