Gautier mayoral candidate Tommy Fortenberry said he is prepared to resign as a police officer if an attorney general’s opinion recommends it.

City Manager Sidney Runnels has asked the attorney general’s office whether an employee can remain on the job while being a candidate for a city position and, if elected, whether the employee may still work in law enforcement.

Officials say civil service statutes authorize dismissal of an employee running for a city office, but don’t mandate that action. They say an opinion is being sought to clarify the status of such an employee.

Fortenberry filed papers to run for Gautier mayor on Jan. 5.

Fortenberry says he wants to know whether he can work in another law enforcement agency if he is elected.