The recent death of Bill Gorman has created uncertainty for the city of Hazard for the first time in decades.

The man who was opposing Mayor Gorman will now face-off against his widow, Nan Gorman, who is the only other write-in candidate as of Monday.

Ken Bryant said he respects Mayor Gorman and acknowledges all the things he did for the city of Hazard during his more than three decades of service.

But he said he wants the chance to lead the city. Bryant is a retired member of the Hazard Police Department, something he said kept him in touch with the public.

He believes that experience makes him a more qualified candidate.

"I have 27 years in experience in city government. I know Mrs. Gorman has been around city government. I don't know her experience part. We'll find out," said Bryant.

Bryant said he welcomes the competition from Nan Gorman in the upcoming election, and he supports the city commission's decision to appoint her as interim mayor.

"I think that the city commission made a great decision there. It showed that they respected the mayor enough to appoint her to fill the remainder of his term. I respect them for that. They couldn't have made a better decision," said Bryant.