By Jack Saunders

MILLVILLE -- If you've lived in this city for more than a year, are a registered voter and a citizen of the United States, than you could be the next mayor of Millville.

That is, unless council member Brian Jensen has his way. Earlier this month Jensen said the future applicant should be a land owner, have background in management and have lived in Millville for more than 10 years, contrary to state guidelines.

Gene Eggleston and other council members did not agree with Jensen. They said state guidelines should be the only criteria for an applicant.

"We don't want to appear to exclude in the process, who they are and the values they have," Egglestone said. "We need to include anyone who qualifies by state entrust."

In the end though, council members voted not to exclude anyone who didn't meet state guidelines and are taking applications for appointment. However, they may consider Jensen's additional criteria when they screen the applicants.

According to the city recorder, Rose Mary Jones, three applications have been received so far: Milton Anderson, Jim Hart and current council member Michael Johnson.

Because former Mayor Gale Hall resigned after the state-issued Aug. 1 deadline, the appointed applicant will hold the position for two years until the seat is available for election in November 2005.

Applications can be sent to the town recorder no later than Monday.

The two-year appointment will be made Oct. 2 at the regularly scheduled council meeting.

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