Mayoral candidate Bob Taylor is the first official candidate for the November city elections, filing papers and qualifying to run for the office of mayor.

Meanwhile, four more potential candidates have picked up papers for the City Council contest. Although not officially candidates until the forms are returned with 20 valid signatures of Brentwood voters, the following people have obtained the required forms from the city clerk's office:

Attorney Richard Bates, a candidate in three previous council elections; Jeff Altman, a member of the Vasco Road Task Force; Derrick Bullington, an elementary school teacher and council candidate in 2004; and Laurie Huffman, a department chair at Los Medanos College. Huffman also pulled papers for a possible mayoral candidacy.

Last week, in addition to Taylor, Annette Beckstrand pulled mayoral papers, while Charles Handwork, Chris Becnel and Mark Underwood pulled council papers.

The deadline for filing is Aug. 11, unless an incumbent does not file. In that case, the deadline will be extended to Aug. 16.

Candidacy forms are available at the city clerk's office, 708 Third St. in Brentwood. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 516-5440.