Even though the Aug. 4, 2015, primary election is eight months away, Natchez area elected officials — and those who hope to become one — are already making known their intentions.

Adams County Board of Supervisors President Darryl Grennell announced recently he would not seek another term in 2015. Some are speculating Grennell, currently the longest serving supervisor, may seek a state legislative office instead or perhaps make a run for the Natchez mayor’s seat.

On Monday, Meadville Mayor Lane Reed, who will run as a Republican, announced he would seek the seat currently occupied by State Sen. Melanie Sojourner of Natchez, also a Republican.

Also, former State Sen. Bob M. Dearing, who lost his seat to Sojourner in 2011, is also considering a run.

Sojourner said she would seek another term.

Interest in Sojourner’s seat isn’t surprising considering her spotty legislative attendance record earlier this year, in addition to her trouble filing 2013 mandatory campaign finance reports. Sojourner filed that delinquent report in November of this year, after being fined and having her legislative pay cut off.

The filing deadline for the August 2015 primary election begins Jan. 1 and continues through Feb. 27.

In addition to senate seats, Mississippi house seats, as well as the county supervisors, circuit and chancery clerk, sheriff, justice court judges, coroner, tax assessor, tax collector, constables and the county prosecuting attorney positions are all potentially up for grabs.

Citizens are best served when interest in elected public service is robust. We hope the early interest the district 37 state senate position is a sign of a vigorous election season to come in 2015.