By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Incumbent Chris Harrison tallied 121 votes to 100 for challenger Bub Gideons to win the October 6 run-off election and earn a third term as the Atmore City Council’s District 5 representative.
In on-site voting, Harrison gained a 111-90 advantage, and each candidate was picked on 10 absentee ballots.
Gideons finished first in the August 25 municipal election, out-polling Harrison by a 124-108 margin, and Sandra Gray earned 102 votes to finish a close third.
“I would like to thank the voters for coming back out to vote,” said Harrison. “Bub and Sandra were good challengers, and I appreciate them and their contributions to Atmore. At the end of the day, we all want Atmore to be the best it can for everyone”
Gideons, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to become the council’s third new member, took the election results in stride.
“First of all, I ran because I love Atmore,” he said. “I’ve tried to work hard to make Atmore better every day and I’ll continue to do that. It’s time for all of us to come together and work together to make Atmore the best place to call home.”
Harrison’s re-election means that Shawn Lassiter (District 4) and Eunice Johnson (District 3) will be the only new faces on the city’s governing body when they are administered the oath of office and officially join the council in November.
Lassiter will replace Susan Smith, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor. Johnson defeated incumbent Chris Walker and will assume his council seat.