NATCHEZ &045;&045; Bob Haltom, independent candidate for alderman in Ward 3, has withdrawn from the race &045;&045; but he’s not saying why.

&uot;I’ll let (the public) come to their own conclusions,&uot; Haltom said after issuing a written statement.

Haltom brought a letter to the City Clerk’s Office Thursday stating that he would withdraw his name from the general election ballot, said City Clerk Donnie Holloway.

However, Holloway said Haltom gave him no reason for withdrawing from the race.

In his written statement, Haltom thanked all those who offered encouragement to him in his run for office.

&uot;I thank my wife for allowing me to qualify in the first place,&uot; he said, adding that he wishes the winner of the race luck.

Haltom’s departure leaves Republican Bob Pollard and Democrat D.D. Smith in the running for the Ward 3 post in the June 8 general election.

In his statement, Haltom said he will continue to write columns, practice real estate and offer his comments in letters to the editor in The Natchez Democrat.

Also on the June 8 ballot will be mayoral candidates Phillip West, a Democrat; Sue Stedman, a Republican; and Richard Branyan, an independent.