Runoff election set for Tuesday

Ken Foxx and Byron Warren, candidates for Mayor of Gravette, shake hands as they worked together removing campaign signs after Foxx withdrew from the race. Both names will be on the ballot in a run-off election which is scheduled for Tuesday; however votes cast for Foxx will not be counted according to the Benton County Election Commission. Mike von Ree, who finished third in the initial balloting, filed suit in Circuit Court asking the election be voided, charging Foxx does not qualify for the office because of a question of his residence. Judge Xollie Clinger has been assigned the case and a ruling has not been made at press time.
Ken Foxx and Byron Warren, candidates for Mayor of Gravette, shake hands as they worked together removing campaign signs after Foxx withdrew from the race. Both names will be on the ballot in a run-off election which is scheduled for Tuesday; however votes cast for Foxx will not be counted according to the Benton County Election Commission. Mike von Ree, who finished third in the initial balloting, filed suit in Circuit Court asking the election be voided, charging Foxx does not qualify for the office because of a question of his residence. Judge Xollie Clinger has been assigned the case and a ruling has not been made at press time.

— Runoff elections are set for Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Gentry, Gravette and Highfill.

In Gentry, voters will determine the city’s next mayor, city clerk, and alderman for Ward 2, Position 2.

Voters will choose between incumbent Wes Hogue and challenger Kevin Johnston for the Gentry mayor’s post.

For the position of city clerk, the choice is between incumbent Jo Ellen Martin and her challenger, Tamela Weeks.

In the one remaining alderman contest, voters will choose between Rob Holland and Warren “Bud” Norman.

Gravette to decide alderman post

In Gravette, the mayor’s runoff between Ken Foxx and Byron Warren was decided when Foxx dropped out of the race and pledged to work together with Warren to find solutions to the city’s problems.

Voters will still need to determine who will hold the alderman post for Ward 1, Position 2. Voters will choose between Melissa Smith and David Shields.

Highfill to elect mayor

In Highfill, who will hold the mayor’s job, beginning next year, remains to be decided.Left in the running for mayor are incumbent Chris Holland and challenger Stacy Digby.

One of the biggest challenges for candidates is to get their supporters back to the polls for the runoff election.

Early voting will end Monday afternoon and polls will be open on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m.until 7:30 p.m. in several locations.

In Gentry, voters will cast their ballots at the Gentry United Methodist Church; in Gravette, at the Gravette Civic Center; and in Highfill, at the Highfill Community Building.

News, Pages 1 on 11/17/2010