NATCHEZ &045; Ward 2 Alderman James &uot;Rickey&uot; Gray said Tuesday he will qualify to run for Mayor Phillip West’s District 94 seat in the House of Representatives.

&uot;I am seeking this positions at this time simply because I have a desire to serve people,&uot; Gray said. &uot;Natchez and southwest Mississippi has given me a number of opportunities, and my goal is to serve the people of this area.&uot;

Former state Sen. Robert Johnson and former county supervisor candidate Elmore Robinson both announced last week they plan to run for the post. As of Tuesday, Gov. Haley Barbour had not set a date for a special election to fill the position.

West resigned from his House seat June 30, the day before he took office as Natchez mayor. His former House district includes portions of Adams, Jefferson and Franklin counties.

Gray, a native and lifelong resident of Natchez, was recently sworn in to his second term as a Natchez alderman, having run unopposed in the last election.

Gray said that in his four years as aldermen, he has done his best to stay in touch with constituents.

&uot;The people of Ward 2 elected me to represent them on the Board of Aldermen,&uot; Gray said. &uot;Since it was the people who elected me, I have no other choice but to work daily on the things that will improve their quality of life.&uot;

Gray said some of the issue he hopes to address as a state representative include education, economic development, community involvement, youth, recreation and support for senior citizens.

Gray said he plans a formal press conference after Barbour sets a date for the special election.