CAIRO VOTERS NARROW DOWN MAYOR'S RACE

CAIRO, Ill. -- Mayor James Wilson came out far ahead of other mayoral candidates in Cairo's primary election Tuesday.

Wilson had 831 votes and will run against city councilman Cordell McGoy, who received 476 votes, in the April 4 general election. Candidates Loretta Burns and Phillip Matthews were eliminated.

In the only other contested primary race, one for 3rd Ward councilman, Earl E. Wade received 70 votes and Barbara Hollis received 67. Daniel Brown Sr. and Timothy Means were eliminated.

Mayor Wilson, who was elected four years ago, said he ran this time primarily on his past record. He said he has worked hard to make city government a partner with the community.

Wilson said that he and the council accomplished several things during his administration, including a reduction in the crime rate, a new boat ramp on the Ohio River, more lighting in Cairo and grants for various improvements.

Councilman McGoy, a Cairo native and longtime member of the Cairo City Council, is running on a "more jobs" platform and is working with the Southernmost Development Committee to help attract a Tyson Chicken processing plant to the Cairo area.

McGoy, who works at the Vienna Correctional Center, was first elected to the council in 1987. He said he has some "areas of priority" for the community, with his first concern being the development of employment opportunities, public and community safety and the budget deficit.

In other races, Steve Wiesenmayer will face Thomas Burris Jr. for the councilmember-at-large seat in April's election, and Carolyn Ponting will face William Miller for Fifth Ward councilman. Elbert Purchase, Bobby Whitaker and Nancy Wright ran unopposed for seats in the 1st, 2nd and 4th wards.