Wednesday, November 04, 2009
- by B.B. Branton
In a long, competitive race for mayor of Lookout Mountain. Ga., Bill Glascock defeated incumbent Tommy Gifford, 361-267, on Tuesday.
In the race for three town council seats, David Bennett (566), Sandy Gothard (518) and Blair Ramey (360) were elected ahead of three-term council member Dennis Eischeid (309).
Mr. Gifford defeated Mr. Glascock by four votes in the mayoral race in 2005.
“I am humbled by the election process and with many other people's help, I look to unite the community and move forward with our long term comprehensive plan,'' said Mr. Glascock.
One of Mr. Glascock's goals is the completion of Phase II of the pathways (sidewalks) along Lula Lake Road. He and the elected council members will be sworn into office in January.
“I congratulate Bill on his victory and I will do what I can to help in the transition,'' said Mr. Gifford.
Mr. Gifford pointed to a balanced budget, completion of Phase I of the pathways project and helping to get the community involved in developing a long-term plan for growth and development in his four-year term.
Mr. Gothard is elected to his second term on the council and is also chairman of the steering committee which is working on a draft of a comprehensive plan for the community.
“The comprehensive plan is vital for the future growth of the mountain as we look 20-30 years down the road,'' said Mr. Gothard.
“I hope that the steering committee can have a final draft of the comprehensive plan by end of this year and hold some public hearings in January,'' he stated. “I would love to see a final plan in place by the end of the first quarter of 2010.''
Mr. Bennett and Mr. Ramey were on the ballot for the first time. Mr. Bennett was appointed to the town council in January to fill a vacated seat previously held by Daniel Pettway.
“One reason I ran for town council was to help with the comprehensive plan and I hope we can get a consensus and move forward,'' said Mr. Ramey.
Contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net