One Alexander position requires run-off election

City of Alexander Alderwoman Andrea Bearden received the most votes in a three-way race to retain her seat on the city council. However, because it was less than 40-percent of the votes a run-off election is needed to determine the winner.

Bearden, who received 39.9-percent of the votes, will be challenged by political new-comer Harold Timmerman, who came in second with 38.8-percent. Bearden received 222 votes while Timmerman was close behind at 216 votes. Even if Bearden had received 40-percent of the votes, state law requires a 20-percent gap between her and Timmerman in order to avoid a run-off election.

The third candidate was former alderman Samuel D. Gregory. He received 119 votes at 21.4-percent.

The run-off election will be held Tuesday, November 29 from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm at the same polling places used on November 8.

Of the 18 candidates running for the nine remaining positions appearing on the ballot, four of the incumbents won re-election. For the Ward-3, Position-2 spot Alderman Dan Church defeated his opponent Corliss Jerry Ball 296 to 253. In the Ward-4, Position-1 seat Alderwoman Melissa Ratliff beat Tammy Pille 306 to 247. In the race for City Recorder Sharon Bankhead soundly defeated Regina Watson 354 to 200. Current City Treasurer Kenneth Miller squeaked out a win over Julia Ann Wilson 292 to 272.

Five aldermen will not be returning to the council January 1. Ward-1, Position-1 Alderman Louis Hobbs lost to Joe Pollard 206 to 355. In the Ward-1, Position-2 seat Alderman Farren Wadley was defeated by Elizabeth Bland 204 to 349. In the race for the Ward-2, Position-1 spot Alderwoman Stephanie Beck lost to Joy Gray 244 to 310.

In an odd twist two current aldermen will be replaced by two former aldermen. Alderman Andy Mullins has been ousted from his Ward-2, Position-2 seat by former Alderwoman Juanita Wilson with a vote of 245 to 318. And, in the Ward-4, Position-2 spot Alderman Lonny Chapman will be replaced by former Alderman Jeffery Watson by a vote of 258 to 288.

Wilson served on the council in 2013 and 2014. She lost her spot to Mullins in the 2014 election. Watson was elected to represent Ward-1 in 2014 and held that seat from January 1, 2015 until he moved to Ward-4 earlier this year. Farren Wadley was appointed to complete his term.

The winners of this election can be sworn-in beginning January 1, but no later than January 10.