Madison County District 1 commissioner Stanley Thomas will remain at the board table for another four years, while fellow commissioner Dewitt “Pete” Bond of District 2 is one step closer to retaining his seat.
Meanwhile, the county school board will welcome two new faces to the table: Cindy Nash, District 3; and Amy McKenzie, District 4.
Commissioner Thomas held off a challenge by Lee Parker in the Republican Primary, 673 to 539 (55.5 to 44.5 percent). He faces no opposition in the general election in November and will begin his third term in January. In District 2, Bond will face Democratic challenger Conolus Scott Jr. in November, but the incumbent held off a challenge Tuesday from Larry Stewart, winning that race 778 to 477 (62 to 38 percent).
Two school board seats were contested Tuesday and Nash defeated Cedric Fortson 678 to 261 (72.2 to 27.8 percent). Fortson emailed the Journal a congratulations statement to Nash Wednesday morning.
“I want to congratulate you on your win for the Madison County Board of Education in District 3,” wrote Fortson. “I have upmost confidence in you to be leader and to be lead by your faith to do what is best for the school systems of Madison County. I wish you the best of luck. Vote wisely with the guidance of our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. May God bless you and your family and your new responsibilities with the Madison County School Board.”
Nash will be joined at the table by McKenzie, who edged Jeremy Duggins 692 to 648 (51.6 to 48.3 percent).
Several local officials ran unopposed for re-election Tuesday. They included: Greg Wilkes, school board, district 5; Michelle Strickland, clerk of court; Anthony Dove, BOC commission chairman; Louise Watson, tax commissioner; and John H. Bailey Jr. and Thomas Hodges, both Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judges.
A total of 6,880 Madison County citizens — 42.5 percent of the county’s 16,190 registered voters — participated in the July primaries. Approximately 14 percent of those who voted cast their ballots early.
How about we institute some other voting requirements...maybe a poll tax, or restrict voting to those who posess at least 50 acres?
Cannot receive a government check or subsidy of any kind. This would include government paychecks, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Crop Subsidy, etc. The only exception to this would be the military.
Must pay income tax or property tax. Those that pay should be the ones voting for the expenditures.
These two requirements would stop the vote buying schemes and mandate a smaller government.
Dear Madison County Citizens,
After much thought, prayer, and counsel with my family and confidants, I, Brenan Baird, will support Clayton Lowe for Madison County Sheriff in 2012.
I ran for Sheriff because I believe someone needs to bring competency and ethics to the current Madison County Sheriff’s Office so the citizens could trust that their best interests were being served and protected. I felt that I was the right person to do that because of my experience, leadership abilities, and integrity. The election did not turn out as I hoped and I initially chose to remain impartial and uninvolved in the runoff.
After several inappropriate conversations and offers in exchange for public support were relayed to me; I was motivated to act. I called Clayton and we spoke about my decision. Clayton and I share similar interests like; making Madison County a better place for everyone to live, work, and raise a family. Clayton gives Madison County the best opportunity to do that.
Clayton and I spoke at length about our visions for the Sheriff’s Office. We discussed the needs of the communities the Sheriff serves and want to work together with you to make these visions a reality. Clayton is open-minded to my suggestions and input. I ask you to join me in supporting Clayton Lowe for Sheriff in the August 21st Run-off.
Sincerely,
Brenan Baird