Natchez voters will choose among candidates to fill five spots on the Natchez Board of Aldermen in Tuesday’s primary elections.

We’ve interviewed the candidates and studied their records and believe the following choices to be the best options to lead the city for another four years.

In Ward 1, as much as we sometimes disagree with some of her decisions, incumbent Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis is the best option on the ballot. Despite our misgivings about her, she has traditionally represented Ward 1 well.

In Ward 2, although it’s easy to underestimate her, Tamathy Dunn-Franklin is the best option. Her quiet demeanor and routine work with accounting in the two jobs she works will give her an edge in helping the board with the formidable task of sorting out the city’s financial ball of yarn.

Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Carter Smith is unopposed.

In Ward 4, people who don’t know him may also quickly discount Joseph Louis Gunning. That would be a mistake, as he’s among the most intelligent and publicly aware candidates we interviewed. His work in the tourism industry, along with his levelheaded, calm approach could make him an excellent alderman.

In Ward 5, incumbent Mark Fortenbery earns our support for his common sense approach to city government, and we expect he’s well-liked by his constituency for that approach.

In Ward 6, as annoying as his constant questioning of the budget can become, we believe incumbent Dan Dillard’s tenacity and pit-bull like approach on budget matters may eventually help the city tackle it’s single biggest hurdle at the moment — getting its financial house in order.

Regardless of the candidates you support, we urge all registered city voters to head to the polls on Tuesday and be an active part of our system of government.