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Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Stumbo re-elected as Fort Valley mayor

FORT VALLEY — Mayor John Stumbo was re-elected for a fourth term Tuesday.

“I’m blessed to serve for 12 years. I know I’ve got a job for at least four,” Stumbo said. “We’ve got a lot of projects we want to get started, and plenty that are unfinished.”

Stumbo received 730 votes. Political newcomer and local pastor Randy King received 401 votes.

Jo Ann Dankel won the at-large seat on the utility commission against Marvin Crafter, 611 to 507.

The position garnered some controversy earlier this week. Dankel challenged Crafter’s residence in the Fort Valley area, but Fort Valley elections superintendent Martha McAfee denied the challenge Monday afternoon in a ruling after a hearing at City Hall. According to the ruling, Crafter presented utility records to support his contention that he lived at Spencer Street.

Both Crafter and Dankel also challenged some of the votes Tuesday, but both of those challenges were dismissed, McAfee said. Crafter challenged the validity of 49 votes, while Dankel challenged seven, questioning the residency of those voters. Of that seven, two will be counted as provisional votes Thursday.

“I am pleased to have won,” Dankel said. “I will serve all citizens well, whether they supported me or not.”

In the other utility commission race, Billy Jones defeated Isabell Freeman, 205-192.

Incumbent Melba Hester won easily in one of two City Council, West Ward races, defeating Jarrett Reagan 526-167. In the other West Ward race, Jimmy Barnes unseated incumbent Teresia Dennis, 462-247.

Two City Council races were uncontested, with incumbents Barbara Williams and Florine Statham retaining their respective at-large and East Ward seats.

To contact Andrea Castillo, call 256-9751.