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Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Harley defeats Edwards for Centerville mayor

CENTERVILLE — Former city administrator John Harley was elected mayor of Centerville on Tuesday, denying incumbent Harold “Bubba” Edwards a second term.

Harley won 58 percent of the vote, 406 votes to Edwards’ 293.

The race was a political grudge match of sorts.

Edwards was elected with 57 percent of the vote in 2005, defeating Harley.

Surrounded by a group of supporters, an emotional Harley said the “support of a lot of close (Centerville) citizens turned the tide” upon hearing the results.

Edwards will hand City Hall over to Harley at the end of the year.

“I thank the voters for the four years they’ve given me to serve as mayor,” Edwards said.

“I hope they’re happy with what Centerville has achieved (in the past four years).”

The results for the Centerville City Council did not surprise. The two incumbent candidates for the two open seats — Cameron Andrews and Randall Wright — were sent back to the City Council without opposition.

Both Andrews and Wright supported Harley during his campaign for mayor.

To contact Thomas L. Day, call 744-4489.