By Idrissa N. Snider
For The Birmingham Times
Fairfield mayoral candidate Edward May II last week denied charges that he does not live in the city.
May’s opponent for mayor, Johnnie Wyatt asked a judge to disqualify May II from the race claiming that May isn’t eligible for the mayor’s office because he doesn’t live in the city.
“First of all, I am a Fairfield native and a current resident of the city of Fairfield,” May said.
The runoff election is scheduled for Oct. 4.
May said that problems with his residency occurred after he and his wife purchased a home in May of this year.
Due to Fairfield’s financial woes and unpaid bills, May said that it took several months to acquire an inspector. Therefore, making the home that he purchased, which was built in 1928, unsafe for him and his family.
Nevertheless, in an interview with The Birmingham Times, May said, “Despite the home’s condition, I borrowed electricity from a neighbor and slept on a blow-up mattress because I’m dedicated to living in Fairfield, to establish my residency.”
Despite May’s claims, Wyatt’s camp states “We have evidence there has been no water service at the house since 2012. It got water for the first time on September 1.”
Efforts to reach Wyatt’s attorney, Calvin Biggers, for comment were unsuccessful.
In the August 23 election, May received 925 votes and Wyatt 717. In order to win office for mayor, the candidate must generate over 50 percent of the vote.
