Wayne Andrews has helped grow and unite the art community for several years as director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and says he now wants to use that experience to do the same for Oxford.

Andrews filed his statement of intent to run as Ward 6 alderman as a Democrat against Republican incumbent Jason Bailey. He is the only candidate to toss his hat into the Ward 6 race with Bailey; however, the deadline to qualify for the June election is Friday.

Andrews, 50, graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and attended Mississippi College School of Law. He’s previously worked for the University of Memphis, Memphis in May, Live at the Garden, Memphis Development Foundation/Orpheum Theatre and Publishers Association of the South.  Along with being director of YAC, he is the chair of the Mississippi Presenters Network. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Oxford, served on the board of the Oxford Film Festival, Crimestoppers, Leadership Lafayette, and Burns Belfry Multicultural Center and served on the Historic Properties Commission.

“We are very fortunate in the LOU community to have the schools, community programs from Parks to Arts, and economic opportunities,” Andrews said. “Mayor (Pat) Patterson and the Board of Aldermen have been working hard these last few year on projects such as Vision 2037 to ensure we preserve the unique elements of our community while fostering growth.  The Arts Council has grown because residents are engaged helping us plan and achieve the vision.  I hope that I can bring that constructive participation to the issues of smart growth, fostering economic growth and ensuring LOU that is enriched by having a diverse community.”

Andrews is married to Mary Margaret Phillips of Greenville and they have two adult children and one grandchild.

Candidates for mayor and the alderman positions have until 5 p.m. Friday to file their statement of intent.

If a primary election is needed, it will be held on May 2 with a runoff, if needed, on May 16.  The general election will be on June 6.

Potential candidates may pick up the necessary form at City Hall or by downloading it from the Mississippi Secretary of State website, www.sos.state.ms.us/elections.