Tennill Cannon, a two-term member of the Greenwood City Council from Ward 5, will not seek another term.
Cannon, a Democrat, had been tight-lipped about his intentions for the past several weeks. He was the only incumbent on the seven-member council who did not qualify by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline.
“I just want to do something different,” he said Saturday.
By Friday three Democrats had filed for Cannon’s seat.
Andrew Powell, Norman Smith and Dorothy Ann Glenn, all of whom have sought the council post in the past, will square off in the May 7 party primary.
In the mayoral race, the incumbent, Carolyn McAdams, is running as an independent.
On the Democrat side, former mayor Sheriel Perkins and Jelani Barr are seeking to earn the party’s nomination for mayor for the June 4 general election.
Ward 4’s Charles McCoy, a two-term incumbent, is being challenged by Marcus Cooper, a service technician with the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Greenwood.
Cooper said he’s had a growing interest in politics.
“I probably started getting more involved in politics about 10 years ago. I feel like it is time to put it to the test,” he said.
Cooper’s wife, Shirley, has served as a member of the Greenwood Election Commission and is the Commonwealth’s circulation manager.
In Ward 6, Greenwood businessman Larry “Blue” Neal is challenging incumbent David Jordan.
Neal, a former Leflore County Justice Court judge, has unsuccessfully challenged Jordan in the past.
“I have respect for Mr. Jordan. But it’s time for new leadership. We need to see some changes. ... We need somebody with business expertise,” he said.
Neal said Jordan can serve a greater role representing the city in the Legislature.
“Even if people elect me, he is still going to be our senator,” Neal said.
Ward 7’s Carl Palmer will be facing a challenge from fellow Democrat Willie V. Preastly.
- Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
