Picking the best candidate for a political office is more than a little bit like selecting the best candidate for a job. It requires research, consideration, a healthy a number questions, some studied response and, often, a bit of listening to your instincts.

And, ultimately, you cast your ballot and hope you’ve made the best choice.

The Democrat’s Editorial Board has been in that interview process for several weeks now — studying, questioning, listening — and after more than two days of intense, one-on-one interviews with the candidates, we’re ready to offer you our endorsements for the Democratic primary in Tuesday’s citywide election.

Remember, of course, that these are our recommendations for the best candidate in the Democratic field. While most races will be decided during this primary, two key races — mayor and city clerk — will be decided in the June general election. And, at that time, we will offer our endorsements between the Democratic candidates and the independents.

All that said, we endorse the following Democratic candidates:

For mayor, incumbent Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown. Brown has a proven track record of effectiveness as mayor – from bringing about a multi-million dollar bluff stabilization project to diligently working to build consensus and direction among the board of aldermen and city department heads. His drive and passion are two of his strongest attributes and, like many successful leaders, those strengths can become excessive. Still, he makes things happen – and he makes them happen here in Natchez. He can be brash and bold, but he is ultimately effective. And that is what we need in a mayor.

For aldermen in Ward 1, Gail Healy. A proven leader who has earned national awards for her work with battered women and children, Healy is ready to undertake politics — a field in which her passion for helping people can be a powerful force. She has the desire to serve, and from her work with the Guardian Shelter and now the Sunshine Shelter, Healy has seen first-hand the fallout that occurs from poverty. And that experience helps her understand the need for jobs — good paying jobs – and a qualified, trainable workforce, both goals which she actively wants to pursue. While incumbent Joyce Arceneaux has had limited success in her first term, we feel it’s time for a change.

For alderman in Ward 2, incumbent George &uot;Shake&uot; Harden. A veteran of the board, Harden continues to pursue what he has described as innovative government. He’s a solid leader for the people of his ward and committed to helping them improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

For alderman in Ward 4, incumbent Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West. Another veteran of the board, West is an integral part of the board of aldermen. Often quiet and reluctant to stir controversy, West is a solid and steady leader in his ward. He understands the subtle challenges that face the city and Ward 4, and he believes that one-on-one communication and understanding will help overcome those challenges.

One note here, challenge Joe Eidt III is a passionate and strong contender.

His views on using recreation to unite the youth of the community and to better the quality of life throughout the city are right on target. And, if this were an endorsement four years from now, he’d probably get our vote. But we believe Eidt can be most effective at realizing his vision – and a vision that will better all of Natchez – by continuing his role as chairman of the city’s recreational council for four more years, helping to bring about the development of the planned St. Catherine sports complex and a more integrated, more united recreational program for the citizens of Natchez.

For alderman in Ward 5, incumbent David Massey. Meeting with Massey, one can easily sense the depth of his understanding of the complex issues that face city government. More important, he talks in terms of solutions — a forward-thinking approach to government. Often bragging that he has the cleanest ward in the city, Massey understands the importance of giving residents a city they can be proud to call home. And, he understands the responsibilities of the office and accepts them as a privilege, remaining committed to serving the voters and the city.

For city clerk, Donnie Holloway. In perhaps the most hotly contested race this year, our pick in the Democratic primary is Holloway. A veteran of political campaigns, he is a confident and sure candidate, personable and truly concerned about the future of this community. His previous banking experience — including work with government bonds — gives him the edge in understanding the complex financial work that is key to the clerk’s office.

The other offices on Tuesday’s Democratic ballot, which are uncontested, include: Ward 6 Alderman Jake Middleton and Municipal Judge John M. Tipton.

In the Republican primary, the only race is Ward 3 alderman, where incumbent Sue Stedman is running unopposed.

We offer these endorsements as just that — our endorsement. If you are unsure about which candidate deserves your vote, we encourage you to consider these endorsements — made after considerable study and discussion. We believe this slate of Democratic nominees would be the most capable mayor and aldermen for Natchez during the next four years.

And, like any candidates, they will be only as effective as we demand them to be. That means as voters — and, yes, as a newspaper — we must hold them accountable to their visions, our desires, and our city’s needs. And, the first step in that process, is to vote.