Fifteen people have qualified for offices to be filled in the March 24 municipal election here in St. Martinville.
The only uncontested race is for the District 5 council seat held by Edmond Joseph, who was elected just last year to serve the unexpired term of the late Romanus “Ike” Robertson.
Veteran Mayor Thomas Nelson will face three opponents, including Melinda “Mel” Narcisse Mitchell, who is trying for the third time to unseat him.
Also qualifying for the city’s top office are Espinola Alexander-Quinn and William “Tiger” Leon.
All four candidates are registered Democrats and black.
Incumbent council members Mike Fuselier of District 1 and Craig Prosper of District 2 were unopposed four years ago but drew opponents this time around.
Fuselier (no party) is being challenged by Republican Albert “Al” Greig and Dean J. Resweber, who also lists no party.
Former St. Martinville police officer Lance Laviolette is running against Prosper, a Republican, as an independent.
All candidates for these two seats are white.
In the majority black Districts 3 and 4, five candidates have qualified.
In District 3, incumbent Dennis Paul Williams (no party) will face Democrat Mourice Smith.
Incumbent Debra Landry of District 4, who has served two terms, is not seeking re-election. Hoping to fill her seat are Democrats Janise Anthony, Juma A. Johnson and Nary Smith Sr., who is making his second run for the seat.
