Retired teacher Doug Westmoreland, left, will move from the classroom to the boardroom after defeating incumbent school board member Don Corbett.
Westmoreland on BOE: Four Teachers to Lead the Way
In an unpredictable upset former Habersham teacher and coach, Doug Westmoreland, won his race against incumbent, Don Corbett, for the District 1 seat on the Board. Corbett, who received about 42% of the vote and who served the last 3 and ½ years on the BOE, told Now Habersham, “I have always been focused on quality of teaching. I am proud that as Chair Person for the Board we were able to make progress in a number of areas, the tech projects, energy projects, the Ag committee, and the Ag-Science Building. I chose to run a campaign based on the positive progress that our system has made. Habersham County School System is a lot bigger than just one person, and I look forward to serving my last 6 months as Board Chair.”
Doug Westmoreland was not available for comment about his selection by voters in the election.
Sheriff Joey Terrell Claims 66% of the Vote in 3-Person Race
Incumbent Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell won the GOP primary on Tuesday. When reached by Now Habersham after the race, Sheriff Terrell said, “God is good and I am thankful. I want to thank the people of Habersham County for having continued confidence in me to serve our community. I appreciate the community support; I had faith we would win.”
Tonya Elrod, former Habersham Deputy, received about 25% of the vote in her race against Terrell and Chad Mealor, Hall County Deputy. Mealor received less than 10% of the vote. Just as the election closed, Elrod spoke to Now Habersham, and explained what was important in the race for Sheriff.
READ: Habersham County primary election results
Campbell Wins With Commanding Lead of 70% Over Kiker
Steve Campbell, local attorney, was easily reelected State Court Judge of Habersham County in his race against Robb Kiker, who received about 29% of the votes. Campbell beat Kiker over two decades ago and easily won this second matching of the two.
Campbell gathered with family and supporters at his law office in Cornelia to watch the returns come in. He talked about the campaign and thanked them for their efforts.
John Wilkinson Wins Big Over Roy Benifield for State Senator District 50
By a two to one margin, incumbent John Wilkinson beat challenger Roy Benifield in the election for State Senator. Wilkinson, a Toccoa educator and agriculture specialist, will return to the Gold Dome for another term in office. Now Habersham spoke with Senator Wilkinson who had this to say from the Toccoa train station: “We were excited to see the results. It validates the decisions and leadership made at the state level. It says people like what they see happening more locally. I appreciate every person who supported me. It’s a good validation of our work.” Wilkinson won with almost 70% of the votes, claiming 17,707 votes in the district to Benifield’s 7,723.
READ: Overall, a good night for incumbents and political comebacks
Stacy Hall wins Seat on Board of Commissioners Habersham County
Stacy Hall told Now Habersham that he wishes to recognize Commissioner James for the tireless work he did on behalf of Habersham County. He added, “I am already speaking with other leaders in our county and hope we can establish a 10 and 20 year economic growth plan. We need to have a plan for developing the Highway 365 Corridor, and need to pay attention to creating economic development in Habersham County, while creating jobs for our local residents.” Hall beat Sonny James with almost 60% of the vote.
Hall is the Athletic Director at Truett-McConnell College.
NOTE: No Democrats qualified to run in these races, so, barring a successful third party bid in November, Tuesday’s primary winners will take office in 2017.
