CULLMAN, Ala. – Nine municipal elections were held across Cullman County Tuesday, and when the votes were tallied, incumbents in the City of Cullman held their own against some tough challengers, while the mayors of Baileyton and Colony were unseated.
In the City of Cullman, Mayor Woody Jacobs won a second term against a solid opponent in Mark Bussman. The two had increasingly visible social media campaigns, but in the end, Jacobs took 63.62% of the vote. Voter turnout in Cullman was on the low side at 29%, with 3,477 of 11,992 registered voters participating.
Jacobs made a statement to those gathered at Cullman City Hall after his victory:
“Tonight, no matter which side of the line you sit on, we all have a higher purpose, and that purpose is working together for a better Cullman. We have mountains of opportunity ahead of us, and it’s only in unison that we can reach their summits. My opponent was a true fighter. He fought for his ideas because he cared for Cullman. We appreciate what he has done for Cullman and I have nothing but respect for him and his family. I’m sure he will continue to find ways to work towards a better Cullman. We spoke about this a few minutes ago when we talked. To the citizens, I appreciate your confidence and support. The dawn of social media brought in a new side of politics to Cullman. Regardless of the praise and criticism, it was amazing to see such engagement and concern, and it is a reflection of the care and concern of this community. To those who gave time and effort to help me win this election, I thank you; I can’t name you all, but you all were great. To my family: I love you and respect you for coming along for the ride. To my wife Connie, who has had many long days and nights, but she has always supported me and this city. To my children Hannah, Tyler and his wife Jennifer, to my sister who’s not here and my niece who’s not here, who walked many streets with us. We serve a providential God, and we must have faith in the pathway He places in front of us. He deserves credit for where I am standing at, now. He deserves the credit for where this city has come. I’ll end on this: I can’t do it alone. And I will do as Hannah says you’re supposed to do at the end of every political speech: God bless America!”
In Baileyton, Mayor Johnny Dyar was defeated by challenger Windell Calloway, while in Colony, challenger Curtis Johnson beat incumbent Mayor Donnis Leeth. Dodge City Mayor Tawana Canada held off challenger Gerald Turner while South Vinemont Mayor Radginal Dodson fended off opponent Shirley Arnett.
Below are the results from all nine elections.
Town of Baileyton
Mayor
Incumbent Johnny Dyar 126
Windell Calloway 163
Council, place 2
Deborah Moon 110
Roy Shedd 181
Council, place 3
Incumbent Wendell Peterson 183
Randy Gaines 101
Council, place 4
Incumbent Myra Martin 139
Benny Guthrie 147
Council, place 5
Incumbent Greg Griffin 161
Pat Dyar 126
Town of Colony
Mayor
Incumbent Donnis Leeth 44
Curtis Johnson 53
City of Cullman
Mayor
Incumbent Woody Jacobs 2,212
Mark Bussman 1,265
Council, place 1
Incumbent Andy Page 1,830
Brad Smith 1,551
Council, place 2
Johnny Cook – 2,044
Gwen Parker – 1,354
Council, place 3
David Moss 2,244
Tony Townson 1,091
Council, place 4
Clint Hollingsworth 1,949
Steve Cummings 1,437
Cullman City School Board, place 2
Incumbent Chris Branham 2,157
Nick Dumas 1,099
Cullman City School Board, place 3
Cheryl Harrison 1,896
Scott Sessions 1,420
Cullman City School Board, place 4
Incumbent Jason Neal 2,102
Nathan Haynes 1,159
Town of Dodge City
Mayor
Incumbent Tawana Canada 108
Gerald Turner 41
Council, place 4
Incumbent Inez McDonald 82
Mark Brannon 65
Council, place 5- A run-off will be held.
Incumbent Ervin Chumley 63
J.V. Shelton 53
Kimberly Searcy 29
Town of Garden City
Council, place 5
Incumbent Patsy Chafin 42
Oscar Goodwin 36
City of Good Hope
Council, place 2
Incumbent Maxie Jones 63
Eric Phillips 108
City of Hanceville
Council, place 1
Incumbent Jimmie Nuss 217
Joyce Barnett 106
Council, place 4
Incumbent Charles Wilson 121
Patty Nail Dean 212
Town of Holly Pond
Council, place 1
Incumbent Lou Thomas 41
Julie Ray 50
Town of South Vinemont
Mayor
Incumbent Radginal Dodson 47
Shirley Arnett 44
Council, place 1
Incumbent JoAnn Oakley 36
Chris Thompson 54
Council, place 5
Sonya Copeland 49
Jerry C. Smith, Sr. 41
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