Marvell Howard is used to a close race.
He ran for a seat on Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors twice before being elected on his third try four years ago. After Tuesday’s general election, the current board president was back in a familiar spot: In the front row, notepad in hand as election workers counted 725 absentee ballots.
Howard, Democratic incumbent for District 3, leads Republican Denny Daniels 1,006-974 and will have the race determined by absentee and affidavit ballot counts today.
Howard is straightforward about his challenge each time he’s run.
“My district is 65 percent white, so that does play a part in it,” said Howard, who hesitated before acknowledging the delicate topic. Howard is black.
“I’ve never had the luxury of blowing someone out or having someone blow me out. I just expect each race to be close,” he said.
Daniels, who is white and a first-time candidate, expected a close race, too. Daniels got totals from each voting precinct in his district and closed the margin by 30 votes over the last five boxes.
“It’s been tough waiting through the suspense,” said Daniels.
The board could have three new supervisors starting in January, as incumbent District 1 Supervisor Carl Clardy leads Republican John Montgomery by 62 votes. Like Howard, Clardy will await tallies of absentee and affidavit ballots.
Orlando Howard, currently the only member of the board who has served multiple terms, won the District 2 seat with 66.77 percent of the votes over Republican Bubba Gray.
Daniel Jackson, a Democrat, clinched his second term as District 4 supervisor with 56.93 percent of the votes over first-time candidate and Mississippi Horse Park Director Bricklee Miller.
Hamilton wins circuit clerk race
Glenn Hamilton trailed Teresa Davis-Roberson by 174 votes after 13 bags were counted but closed strong and won by more than 900 votes.
Hamilton, former two-term state senator and former chairman of the Mississippi State Parole Board, will replace Angie McGinnis, who did not seek re-election after a 16-year term.
“It was an honor for me to serve in the Senate, but it’s a bigger honor for me to serve the people of Oktibbeha County,” said Hamilton. “I ran on my qualifications, and I think the people responded favorably to that. I’m excited.”
Davis-Roberson has banking, accounting, customer service and teaching experience, but Hamilton believes his time in the state Legislature, serving on state committees gives him the edge in keeping the office compliant with state regulations.
Davis-Roberson defeated two challengers in the primary, while Hamilton was unopposed.
Hamilton said he plans to take two weeks off before coordinating days to train with McGinnis.
“The thought that was running through my mind as I watched the action here tonight, the next election will be under my watch,” Hamilton said. “I’ve got the best to learn from.”
Morgan coasts by Wynn
Allen Morgan’s second try at the tax assessor’s office came pretty easy.
Morgan, a Republican, ousted former literacy instructor Lisa Wynn with 58.31 percent of the votes.
Morgan, who spent 29 years with the Mississippi Tax Commission, faced an easy road when Wynn upset Debbie Carrithers in the Democratic primary. Carrithers is a deputy tax assessor for Pat Kight, who didn’t seek re-election and is retiring.
Wynn’s lack of relevant experience with taxes and property appraisal was a setback to a furious and full-time campaign.
Morgan didn’t switch up his campaign, other than using a website (www.allenmorgan.net) to reach voters.
“I think the site helped quite a bit,” Morgan said. “I’m ready to put my experience to good use.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
