NATCHEZ — With the primary election just one week away, a crowd of Natchez residents gathered at the Natchez Convention Center Monday evening to hear candidates vying for their votes answer questions on hot topics in the city.

The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum for candidates in the contested races of the Natchez Board of Aldermen and city clerk.

The primary election is May 1. Independent candidates will not appear on the primary ballot. The general election is June 5.

Ward 6 Alderman candidate Forrest Foster, an independent, was not present at the forum.

City Clerk

City clerk candidates were asked their opinion of the clerk’s job descriptions and their own personal qualifications, as well how they would improve the city clerk’s office in the next four years.

Incumbent Donnie Holloway, a Democrat, said a city clerk candidate would need a degree in accounting, personnel or city management, a background in finance and personnel and an ability to communicate with people.

Holloway said his experience best qualifies for him to be city clerk.

“I’ve been in that office for 12 years,” he said.

Democratic candidate Temple Hendricks said an important qualification for city clerk is the ability to manage the city clerk’s office staff who does the city’s day-to-day accounting.