Terrell wins city council seat

By Angie Thompson, Senior Reporter

TIFTON — Voter turnout was light for Tifton, Omega and Ty Ty city council elections Tuesday, but after the count, Tifton had a new city councilman and Ty Ty kept its incumbent mayor.

Challenger Johnny Terrell defeated District 3 incumbent Roosevelt Russell to earn the seat on Tifton’s City Council.

“I’m tired, but my work paid off,” Terrell said after the votes were tallied at Election Central only minutes after the polls closed at 7 p.m.

Only 93 of the 1,318 eligible District 3 voters (8 percent) cast their ballots in the election for the council seat. Terrell received 55 to Russell’s 38 votes.

“I”m surprised at the low turnout,” Terrell said. “I really thought I’d have the people come out, but I thank the people who did support me.”

Terrell said Tuesday morning at his campaign post at the corner of Fourth Street and Tift Avenue that he had been out in the district and had done what he said he would do when he announced his candidacy — put a flyer on the door of every constituent in the district.

Russell, who is completing his third term on the council, said Tuesday morning at his campaign post on the corner opposite Terrell that he also campaigned hard, visiting homes in every community in the district. When the election results came in, Roosevelt said he had enjoyed his years of service on the council and that he could hold his head high.

“I’ve been able to take the bumps and stay alert to the things going on,” Russell said. “I learned I couldn’t wave the magic wand and get it done without working with all of the council members.”

Tift City Council District 1 incumbent Marianna Keesee was unopposed and picked up 58 votes of support from her constituents.

In Ty Ty, all 269 city voters were eligible to vote for all posts on the council. Incumbent Mayor Keith Beasley held onto his seat with 72 votes to challenger Charles Lovett’s 43. Linda Drawdy held on to her post, receiving 72 votes to challenger Darlene Burrous’ 38 votes.

In Omega, 456 people were eligible to vote in Tuesday’s city council election. Only Post 2 on the council was up for grabs Tuesday after incumbent Stephanie Wilson did not qualify to run for re-election to the position. Deborah Smith defeated Nicky Lara by a vote of 34-19 to win the race.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.

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