Mayor John Peyton and Sheriff John Rutherford qualified to run for reelection shortly after noon Tuesday. They were read the qualifying oath by Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, who also qualified. Both Peyton and Rutherford paid the qualifying fee of $12,901.73 and $11,605.58, respectively. “We appreciate you qualifying by check and not petition,” said Holland. Dist. 1 candidate Clay Yarborough was the first City Council candidate to qualify. The qualifying period ends Tuesday at noon.