Staff Report/Jefferson Jimplecute
The Jefferson City Council will hold a special meeting at 5:30p.m. Monday to canvass the election and swear in some of the elected Aldermen.
Ward 1 Incumbent Jim Finstrom will be sworn in for another term and former Alderman Ward 3 Alderman Richard Turner will return to the Council.
Finstrom ran unopposed and received 17 votes.
The fate of the Ward 2 Alderman seat is still unknown as incumbent Tyrani Braddock and challenger Robin Moore tied for the seat 20-20.
The City has not seen a tie for an Alderman seat in over 40 years.
“In my 30 something years down here I’ve never seen one,” said former city secretary Anita Perot. Perot retired a little over 10 years ago.
According to Texas Election statute 2.002:
“Sec. 2.002. TIE VOTE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (f), (g), or (i), in an election requiring a plurality vote, if two or more candidates for the same office tie for the number of votes required to be elected, a second election to fill the office shall be held.”
Subsections f, g and i specify:
f) The tying candidates may agree to cast lots to resolve the tie. The agreement must be filed with the authority responsible for ordering the election. That authority or, if the authority is a body, the body’s presiding officer, shall supervise the casting of lots.
(g) A tying candidate may resolve the tie by filing with the authority described by Subsection (f) a written statement of withdrawal signed and acknowledged by the candidate. On receipt of the statement of withdrawal, the remaining candidate is the winner, and a second election or casting of lots is not held.
(i) If the tie vote is not resolved under Subsection (f) or (g), an automatic recount shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 216 before the second election is held. If the recount resolves the tie, the second election is not held.
As neither Ward 2 candidate withdrew or agreed to cast lots, a new election will be held.
Council will call for a new election for the Ward 2 seat at the regular Council meeting on May 18 according to Mayor Rob Baker.
Richard Turner defeated incumbent Victor Perot for the Ward 3 seat.
“I knew it would be close and he ran a good race and I’m proud for him and for me too,” said Perot. “It’s time for somebody else to take it and run with it. He’ll do an excellent job.”
“I’m just glad it’s over and it’s time to move forward,” said Turner. “I was successful in my race for Alderman Ward 3 in Jefferson. I feel very blessed to have had the support of many and I am also very grateful that it was a very clean run race with my opponent. I am looking forward to helping my home town thrive in many ways.”
Council will also consider approving some street closures in May.
JISD has requested Austin Street from Polk to Walnut Street be closed from 8p-Midnight May 15, and a parade from 5:30-6:30p on May 18. The seniors will be using the Mardi Gras route, which goes from Walnut Street, down Austin to Market, then Market to Lafayette, Lafayette to Polk, and then Polk to Broadway.
Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur requested Austin Street to be closed from Polk to Vale streets from 8a-2p May 22 for a Re-Opening Ceremony of the newly restored Courthouse.