One Candidate So Far in Hiram Mayor’s Race

Hiram voters will see at least one name on the ballot during a March 6 special election to fill the unexpired mayoral term following .

Don Brown, a lifelong resident of Paulding County, says he has lived in Hiram for the last 21 years, as well as many of his years while growing up, according to information he emailed Dallas-Hiram Patch Monday afternoon. He has been married to his wife Lisa for nearly 35 years.

If elected, it wouldn’t be the first time he has served the city—Brown was a city councilman for five years in the early 2000s. Brown says during that time, he sponsored the original applications and ordinances to have Hiram declared a City of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association.

In 2005, Brown stepped down from the council to run for mayor following the resignation of Mayor Dewey Pendley. Brown ran against Carmen Rollins, who won the election to finish Pendley’s term.

Brown operates Hiram Insurance Agency, but says he vows to do no business with the city as to not create “any appearance of conflicts of interest,” he said in his emailed statement.

“It is time for the city of Hiram to get back to ethical, honest, and fair operations so that the focus can be on growing the city and making things better for its citizens,” Brown added.

Qualifying for the mayor’s race continues at Hiram City Hall Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Any Hiram resident who has resided in the city for 12 months prior as of election day, is at least 21 years old and a qualified voter, is eligible to run for mayor. Those seeking office have to pay a $270 qualifying fee and complete four forms—notice of candidacy and affidavit, declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions, financial disclosure and proof of residency.

The March 6 special election day is the same day as the presidential preference primary, but the elections will be separate. Those wishing to cast ballots for mayor will go to the Hiram Community Center—also the site of early voting Feb. 27-March 2—but those wanting to make a selection in the presidential race will have to travel to their assigned county polling place. Hiram residents have until Feb. 6 to register to vote in time for the March 6 elections.

Those with questions regarding qualifying or elections may contact the Paulding County Board of Elections at 770-443-7503, or the Hiram City Clerk Cynthia Geyer at 770-943-3726, extension 203.

Visit Dallas-Hiram Patch this week for further updates on Hiram's mayoral race.