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Thompson, Seay, Richardson win
Published November 3, 2009
MONROE — Mayor Greg Thompson was re-elected to his second term Tuesday, fending off former councilman Wallace Beall by 201 votes.
Sixteen-year incumbent and vice mayor Wayne Adcock was defeated by seven votes in the race for the District 6 seat and Jimmy Richardson beat W.C. “Tip” McConnell for the second time in four years in the District 8 race, 256 to 197.
Councilman Jerry Smith ran unopposed and garnered 94 votes.
The race for mayor became heated in the last weeks of the campaign as Beall tried to point out it was City Administrator Julian Jackson — not Thompson or the council — who runs the city. Beall also said there was fat in the city’s utility budget and he had a plan to cut it.
“I think the citizens of Monroe saw through the empty promises,” Thompson said. “I’ve done well for four years and I will continue to do well for the citizens of Monroe. My door will be open as it has been the past four years.”
Beall declined to comment about the race but did say he has not made up his mind if he will run again.
The surprise of the night came from Seay who, despite having no political experience, beat Adcock 87-80.
Seay said his effort hitting the streets and making phone calls put him over the top.
“I called 300 people (the day before the election),” he said. “It all worked out. I registered at least 15 to 20 people to vote who never voted before. I appreciate everybody that helped me out.”
“I guess his supporters showed up more than mine did,” Adcock said. “I thought I did what I had to do to win. My 16-year record speaks for itself and I served the city well in that period of time. I wish him well.”
Richardson said he was out campaigning late Monday night to secure votes.
“It was everybody’s help and support,” Richardson said when asked what was the key to his victory.
“There was a lot of talking and meeting with people,” he said. “It was just seeing what people were thinking and what people were wanting. It wasn’t any one thing I did, it was the whole city helping. I’m thankful for all the help and support and look forward to working with the city and people of Monroe for four more years.”
McConnell said he will continue to be involved in the city and wants to spearhead an effort to get a memorial to all soldiers from Walton County in the new Childers Park.
“I just appreciate the encouragement, the people that helped me. I thank them for it,” McConnell said.
About 17 percent, or 1,151, of the 6,734 registered voters in the city turned out at the polls.
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