Lestine Hutchens faced no ballot challenge for mayor and only minor write-in opposition. She took the seat with 460 votes.
Unofficial totals gave newcomer Gill Ripley, an Elkin pharmacist, a 392 to 311 vote lead over veteran Commissioner J.L. Lowe. Perhaps the surprise came in the margin between Lowe and challenger David Morrison, a Jonesville pharmacist and strong opponent of alcohol sales. Morrison trailed by only 11 votes in the totals, which won't become official until a verification by the Surry County Board of Elections next Tuesday at 11 a.m.
During the campaign, Morrison garnered endorsements from key conservative elements in acommunity known for its relatively liberal fiscal and social leanings.
Lowe said in a recent Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce-sponsored candidate's forum that he sees the wine industry as an important part of the area's economic future.
Morrison said as a Southern Baptist and a healthcare professional he opposes the sale and use of alcohol.
Lowe said after the results came in, "Elkin is fortunate to have had a good group of qualified candidates to run. I wish Gill good luck and congratulations to all on a good campaign."
He said in the coming term that he will work hard on an effort to build an economic development effort of Elkin. He has served on a committee established by the town board to find a group that can focus on recruiting jobs for Elkin without relying strictly on the assistance a countywide effort through the Surry Economic Development Partnership.
The committee has talked to three companies, two of which have offered proposals. Ripley said he supports Lowe and the town in the effort to build its economic base.
Lowe said tourism and wine will be a part of the economic development formula but so will finding some manufacturing jobs. "It will run the gamut," he said. "We are at a crossroads. We need to be prepared for planned growth that is coming in the commercial corridor along the (N.C.) 268 Bypass," he said.
Morrison could not be reached for comment.
Countywide the sales tax referendum passed with the narrow margin of 66 votes out of 4,984 cast in the polling. The county voted 2,525 in favor and 2,459 opposed to the measure that is expected to raise almost $2 million annually/. County commissioners have said such revenue would likely be used to fund about $14 million in school building funds.
Surry County votes were delayed in reporting when voting machines at Elkin's Precinct 1 failed to shut down properly, according to elections board Chairman Hugh Campbell. The machines were taken to the elections office in Dobson where Susan Jarrell, director of elections, "forced them to tally," Campbell said. The canvassing process Tuesday may require that the paper tapes be tallied," Campbell said shortly after the unofficial votes were made known.
It was Jarrell's first election as director; although she has served as deputy for more than 10 years.
She became director only recently when former director Angie Crews announced she was leaving Oct 31. "The time was right for Angie to leave," Campbell said. "She is retiring to spend more time with her family."
Although the announcement came on short notice, he said the board was completely happy with Crews' performance. "There have been a lot of changes in state law and equipment," he said. She just decided the time was right to leave and spend time with her family. She will be recognized for her service by the commissioners," he said.
In Dobson challenger Gerri Martin edged out veteran Commissioner Kermit Draughn to claim a seat on the board. Martin came in second with 197 votes to incumbent Lana Brendle's 206 and Clinton Dockery's 194. Draughn claimed 134; Joe Felts, 81 and Louise Smith, 25.
Turnout county wide tallied 12 percent with 5,118 voting out of 42,331 registered.
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