Split vote fills sixth position on council

Incumbent Don Hendrick was the top vote-getter in Saturday's municipal election, while fellow incumbent Gandy Stubblefield failed to win a new term in a city election that saw a strong turnout.

Hendrick received 213 votes to lead a field of six candidates for three two-year terms on the council. Gary Jones received 194 votes, while incumbent Fred Mitchell and Gary Mike Smith received 175 votes each for the third spot.

However, the city charter adopted in the same election provides that the newly elected council will appoint a member for the newly created sixth council seat, making the tie vote a problem that solves itself. Mayor Bill Brown said he will

consult with City Attorney Jimmy Cassels about tie-breaking procedures. But whoever is declared the winner, the other can be appointed to the new seat.

The other two candidates trailed the winners significantly. Stubblefield received 139 votes and Charles Ivey drew 120 votes.

In the separate contest for a one-year unexpired term, Larry Cook overwhelmed his two opponents to take the seat. Cook drew 245 votes to 78 votes for appointed incumbent Bryan Wilson and 72 votes for Charles Chatman.

At a candidates forum last month sponsored by the Free Press, both Smith and Cook expressed opposition to the proposed city charter, which was adopted by voters 254-150. A total of 421 people voted in the election.