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Daily Review 1
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Published: 10/20/2012 12:30:35 AM
Last Updated: 5/8/2013 3:48:54 PM
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Mayoral candidate Johnny Magee (left) looks at the results with local Democratic party leader Larry Coleman.(Photos by Cassidi Bush)
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In the May 21 primary runoffs
Mayor: Johnny Magee vs. Omeria Scott
Ward 1: La’Juan Jones vs. Willie Evans
Ward 5: Manuel Jones vs. Stacy Comegys
Ward 6: Travares Comegys vs. Elvin Jermaine Ulmer
Ward 7: David Wash vs. Mary Edmonson and Jerry James
Magee, Scott to meet again; 3-way runoff in Ward 7
Tuesday’s Democratic primary election left many candidates on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Councilman Johnny Magee and state Rep. Omeria Scott will be in the runoff for Mayor of Laurel on May 21.
The only Democrats with a secure spot on the ticket in June are Kim Weathersby in Ward 2 and David Jones in Ward 3 because they were unopposed, and Ward 4 incumbent George Carmichael, who was the only candidate to receive more than 50 percent of the vote and automatically advance without a runoff. Carmichael won 58 percent of votes compared to Eric Shamburger Sr.’s 21 percent and Michael Barrett’s 17 percent.
The Ward 7 race was one of the closest in memory. David Wash received 159 votes while Rev. Jerry A. James Sr. and Mary Caraway Edmonson each received 153. All three will appear on the runoff ballot, said Jones County Circuit Clerk, Bart Gavin, citing state statute and Attorney General’s ruling
“I don’t remember there ever being a dead tie in Jones County,” Gavin said. “That doesn’t mean there wasn’t one, but I don’t remember it.”
Edmonson said she felt good about the results.
“Each candidate offered the public a choice,” she said. “(The Democratic system) is the only way we would want it to be. We respect the attitude of the voters.”
In Ward 1, Lu’Juan Jones won 36 percent and incumbent Willie Evans won 34 percent. Both names will be on the runoff ballot. Mark Anthony Stapp was not far behind them with 29 percent of the votes.
Jones said he felt great.
“I want to thank the citizens for voting,” he said, “and I hope they continue as I try to help move Laurel forward.”
In Ward 5, incumbent Manuel Jones Sr. won 45 percent and Stacy A. Comegys won 42 percent. Clinton Drummer Jr. lagged behind with 11 percent.
Comegys said he knew this race would be close, but he is optimistic about the runoff.
“I’m excited that I get the chance to go out and see how the next election goes,” he said.
His brother, Travares K. Comegys, got the most votes in Ward 6, but his 41 percent still means there will be a runoff. Elvin Jermaine Ulmer will be his next opponent. Ulmer received 23 percent of the votes. Dr. Jerry W. Cooley trailed behind with 17 percent, Eloy Jones had 10 percent and James B. Jones had 7 percent.
Magee said he hoped for 51 percent, but he knew a runoff was always a possibility. He said he is glad this part is over, and he is ready for the next race.
“I’d like to thank the people that supported me,” he said. “For those who did not, I’m asking for your support in the runoff.”
Independent mayoral candidate Ken Keys was at the courthouse watching the events unfold. He said he is looking forward to running a clean race and is proud of the Democratic process, but he was disappointed in the low voter turnout.
The winners of the primaries ill face Independent and Republican challengers, if they have any, on June 4.
Only 3,493 voters out of almost 13,000 made it to the polls. Gavin said he doesn’t know how to explain the low turnout besides there being a lack of interest.
Gavin also asked that absentee voters in the runoff election keep something in mind. He said it took extra time to count the absentee ballots because people made marks outside the circles, and the machine wouldn’t read them.
“You need to give a lesson on coloring inside the circle,” former Mayor Susan Vincent joked.
— By Cassidi Bush/reporter1@leader-call.net
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