As of July 1, residents of Natchez’s Ward 2 will have a new alderman — Ricky Gray, who won over incumbent George &uot;Shake&uot;&160;Harden Tuesday.

In fact, Gray will be the board’s lone newcomer, since incumbents Joyce Arceneaux of Ward 1, Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West of Ward 4 and David Massey of Ward 5 all won over their opponents.

&uot;Everybody kept telling me that I’d done it before tonight. I didn’t believe it — but I’m on top of the world now,&uot; Gray said over the din of supporters. &uot;I really didn’t know what to think. (Harden is) the incumbent and had been there for 15 years. I just thank God I won.&uot;

For his part, Harden congratulated Gray on his win but stood by the job he did as Ward 2 alderman, saying he has been &uot;out there working hard.&uot;

&uot;I gave the leadership that I thought was best for Ward 2,&uot;&160;said Harden, who said he plans to rest and regroup for the next few days. &uot;I served with courage, honesty and dignity. … If the Lord is for you, no matter who is against you, they can’t stop you.&uot;

Gray said his first priority will be to work with the people of Natchez to attract more high-paying jobs to the city. And he said he wants to be known as the first &uot;3C alderman&uot;: caring, courageous and committed to getting results.

In addition, both Arceneaux and Massey said the main focus of their next terms will be to get higher-paying jobs to Natchez.

&uot;I’m talking about communications and computer industries, businesses that will be here for a while,&uot;&160;said Arceneaux, who won against Gail Healy. Arceneaux said she also wants to see more progress on drainage projects in Ward 1.

Getting aircraft company CASA into the area, attracting a hotel to the convention center area and hiring a full-time economic development director are some specific things Massey would like the board to accomplish in the next four years.

Massey’s opponent, Art Fesmire, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

West said the challenge of running against Joe Eidt made him realize that he needs to do a better job of communicating with constituents and giving them opportunities to have a part in the process.

&uot;I’ve already talked with people about serving on an advisory board in Ward 4 to talk about the issues,&uot;&160;West said.

And though they admitted to disappointment, even those who didn’t win said they gained valuable experience, met more people and made good memories in their run for public office.

&uot;If I&160;can ever help Natchez improve, I’ll be glad to do so,&uot;&160;said Eidt, who is not ruling out a future bid for office. &uot;Working together, we can move Natchez forward.&uot;

&uot;I’d still like to see more recreation in Ward 1 and more jobs for everyone,&uot;&160;Healy said. &uot;Like any family, (Natchez)&160;has problems. But we can work it out if we work together.&uot;

Ward 3 Alderwoman Sue Stedman and Ward 6 Alderman Jake Middleton ran unopposed.