In less than

a week, the most contentious election year in Senoia's recent history

will be over.

Long-term observers

are saying this year's race for mayor is unlike anything that's transpired

in the last 60 years.

The two candidates

for mayor, Diann Cleveland and Pam Youngblood, were coworkers on the City

Council, but this year's run for mayor has left the two candidates barely

speaking to each other.

In seeking

the city's highest office, Youngblood is focusing on her experience in

city government.

"During

the last four years, I have worked hard to help position the city of Senoia

for the inevitable growth from the metro Atlanta area," she said.

"Our infrastructure and land use plans have been designed to maintain

the 'small town community' image of Senoia while financially positioning

the city to absorb the growth," she added.

Youngblood

said the city needs "strong visionary leadership for the challenges

ahead."

"I have

personally worked with Coweta County through Commissioner Mutt Hunter

and obtained his assistance to provide labor for the brick planters on

Main Street. I have worked with him at the East Coweta Senior Center and

also worked with him helping to get the recent SPLOST passed," she

said.

Cleveland agrees

the city needs strong leadership, but said the city needs to work hard

to maintain the city's historic and family-oriented flavor.

She also believes

the city's focus needs to be on providing services for people who have

been in the city for years.

"I would

also make sure developers follow through on their promises," she

said.

Cleveland also

favors larger lot sizes.

"We were

one-acre lots forever. I've not had one person tell me we should have

smaller lots," she said.

The City Council

race is more crowded with nine candidates seeking the four spots.

Residents will

choose two candidates from four who are running for council: Robert Hannah,

Pat Tunnell, Ed Roberts and Arlevia Gates, to fill the positions of incumbents

Hannah and Cleveland.

In the race

to replace Councilman Darren Ratajski, who resigned in September, voters

will choose between Kenneth Davis and Robert Belisle.

The final council

position is the race for Pam Youngblood's council seat. Youngblood resigned

when she decided to run for mayor. The three candidates are former Mayor

Lester Mann, Bill Wood and Ernie Jackson Jr.

Polls are open

from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.