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June 24, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 26
Runoff necessary for House District 24 seat
Gilligan and Van Sant go head-to-head By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com
John and Jeannine Crowe vote during the special election held June 16.
Welch wins Cumming City Council seat By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — With 29.2 percent of votes, Charles Welch Jr. secured the Post 1 Cumming City Council spot in a special election June 16. A total of 391 people voted in the election, giving Welch 117 votes. The runner-up spot was Linda Ledbetter with 98, or 25.06 percent of votes. Third place was tied between Julie Tressler and Roger Crow each with 88 votes and 22.51 percent of votes. “I am proud of the issue based campaign we ran and want to thank the voters for giving me an opportunity to serve as their councilman,” Welch said. “Together, we can preserve our city’s heritage while working to achieve even greater success.” A runoff is not needed, said Mandi Smith, elections supervisor for the county. The Cumming city charter states council posts, including the mayor, are voted for by plurality, and the top vote-getter wins. Welch will fill the Post 1 seat beginning on July 21, when he will be sworn into office at the City Council meeting. He will then serve through the rest of the term, which ends Dec. 31, 2017. In a profile on Welch from May, the Forsyth Herald asked him what he hopes to accomplish if elected to City Council. “Now, more than ever, we must work to pro-
tect Cumming’s legacy for the next generation,” Welch said. “If elected, I will work aggressively to continue to enhance our quality of life, support local businesses and safeguard our heritage. With unparalleled amenities, a thriving health care market, top-tier schools and low taxes, Cumming is WELCH positioned for greatness. If elected, I hope to take our community to the next level.” He also answered why he wants to represent the city of Cumming. “Early in life, I learned that hard work and determination are critical to achieving success,” Welch said. “I watched my father serve on the Cumming City Council, where he helped shape Cumming into one of the nation’s premier destinations in which to live, work, play and retire. His service to others gives me strength and inspiration to give back to a community that has given my family so much. I want to represent the city of Cumming because to me, this isn’t about a title – it’s about protecting our community.” The special election was held to fill the Post 1 seat left open when Councilman Rupert Sexton retired recently on May 1. Doug Sorrells served as interim councilman starting May 19.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After none of the four candidates running for the House District 24 seat secured 50 percent plus one of the votes, it will be necessary to hold a runoff election July 14. The special election held June 16 to fill the seat saw Sheri Gilligan getting 49.97 percent of the total, which equates to 1,785 votes. Second was David Van Sant, with 877 votes, or 24.55 percent, putting him in the runoff. Coming in third was Ethan Underwood with 739 votes, 20.69 percent. Will Kremer came in last with 171 votes, 4.79 percent. There was one provisional ballot accepted, but it did not change the outcome. Early voting for the July 14 election will be held Monday – Thursday, June 29 - July 2 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E Main St, Cumming. On Monday – Thursday, July 6-9, voting will be open 8 a.m. - 7p.m. at Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E Main St, Cumming, and Midway Park, 5100 Post Rd, Cumming. On Friday, July 10, voting is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at both the Administration Building and Midway Park. On June 16, voters turned out in large numbers and the message was loud and clear, Gilligan said. “Money from trial lawyers and special interests will not buy this election,” Gilligan said. “We are humbled by
the support we received and we look forward to a spirited runoff. We thank Ethan Underwood and Will Kremer GILLIGAN for their willingness to serve and go through the process. I am in this race to win and will continue to reach out and ask for your supVAN SANT port. We promise to listen to your concerns and fight for conservative values. I humbly ask for your vote and support yet again.” Van Sant was unable to be reached for comment on the runoff by time of press. In a survey given to the candidates by the Forsyth Herald, Van Sant said the county’s continued growth presents both challenges and opportunities that must be met with energetic leadership and determination. “I am not seeking elected office to earn another title,” Van Sant said. “I am seeking office to protect our community’s high quality of life by reducing taxes, championing smart, responsible growth and fighting to return our hardearned tax dollars to Forsyth County where they can be used to improve transportation and build new schools.”
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