It's Hamer Versus Smith in 4th Ward Council Primary

Incumbent Wayne Hamer is looking to hold off candidate Shirley Smith Tuesday to ensure he remains the 4th Ward's representative on city council.

Voters in the 4th Ward will take to the polls Tuesday to determine who wins the Democratic primary nod, clearing a path for an unopposed election in November. No Republicans are running in the heavily Democratic ward.

At last Thursday's debate, issues pertaining to safety at MacKay Park, the controversy over the battered ice rink, and the level of city services received by 4th Ward residents arose.

Smith, a retired teacher's aide and former veteran school board member, currently serves on several city committees and contends the city isn't doing enough for 4th Ward residents.

Hamer, a financial analyst, joined the council following the death of Jack Drakeford in 2012. He previously served the council from 1996 through 2003 and says he will continue to improve city services and develop better solutions to recreation problems.

In the 2nd Ward, incumbent Democrat Michael Cohen is all but guaranteed his party's nomination. He'll face a challenge in November from Jonathan Katz, running on the "Republicans for Responsible Government" ticket.

The polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Check out the attached PDF to see where you're voting.

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