POLITICAL LEDGER

Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler qualifies to run for auditor

Geoff Pender
The Clarion-Ledger

Republican Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler, serving her ninth term as mayor, is challenging two-term State Auditor Stacey Pickering in the Aug. 4 GOP primary.

Butler had been considering a run for state auditor for months. In October, when asked about it, she said "Never say never."

Hawkins confirmed she qualified to run Monday, but had little comment, saying she will make an official announcement sometime soon.

Incumbent Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler presides over a Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday evening at the Justice Complex. Butler, who has been is office for 32 years, faced Madison County Supervisor District 1 John Bell Crosby during the primary election.

Butler served on the Madison Board of Aldermen before becoming mayor. First elected mayor at age 26, Butler is one of the longest-serving mayors in the country. She, and Madison, have received national recognition for the planned community, noted for its growth over several decades and stringent zoning, building and beautification regulations to manage that growth.

Pickering was first elected auditor in 2007, then re-elected in 2011, carrying about 75 percent of the vote. He previously served two terms in the state Senate. Pickering, who as auditor has recovered more than $21 million in embezzled or misspent public funds, has received national awards for his work, including the national 2014 David M. Walker Award for government auditing and accountability.

The State Auditor is responsible for auditing public accounts and conducting investigations of public agencies to ensure accountability.

The primary election is Aug. 4, 2015, and the general election is set for Nov. 3.