Mid-course correction in Lakeside Election?

After two years and a failure of 2006 candidates to carry out a signed promise with Lakeside residents, a new effort to get back on track with the people gained widespread acceptance with voters.

The November 4th election saw victories by three candidates who campaigned together on a platform of keeping fees as low as possible, inviting and including citizens’ in the government, as well as making government more open and accessible.

Mack Eubanks, re-elected to a second term, as well as Elaine Armstrong and retired Fireman Rod Schilling campaigned effectively as reforming the “reformers” of 2006. While those 2006 candidates, including Nelson, Tim Crockett, and Eubanks promised and signed an extensive reform program, only Eubanks showed an inclination to carry it out.

Crockett who has indicated no desire to carry out his signed promises, wasn’t up for re-election.

Mayor Orville Nelson, whose tragic accident garnered sympathy from all sides, squeaked by in re-election by 64 votes in a split of votes among three candidates.

Nelson failed to gain a popular vote majority, as the two opponents, Darlene Atkin and Ed Gowan garnered a combined 56.5% of the popular vote.

Nelson’s council candidates that he hand picked for appointment to fill vacancies ran as a separate team for election, but didn’t fare as well. All of Nelson’s allies lost by wide margins.

Nelson’s candidates included Buford Gould who lost to Schilling by a whopping 2-1 margin for the one two year term. The others: Gary Wilson and Benny Henry came in at the bottom in the race for a four year term.

It is yet to be seen how well or if Nelson will continue to be able to govern at all as mayor, as the 72-year-old is still in the process of recovering from the life endangering injuries suffered when a truck struck him in front of Tree Acres Gas and Grocery on Sept 7.

The third council candidate to be elected to the four year term was Chrysta Swift, who ran a more independent campaign. Swift submitted her vision and profile to LakesideInfo.com and has demonstrated a desire to cooperate with those advocating a more open and friendly government.

Of the candidates who agreed to give their unedited “voter’s pamphlet” statement to LakesideInfo.com, all but one was elected.

In the referendum question, citizens overwhelmingly chose to annex the property around Tenmile Lake into the fire district. Nelson has opposed the measure in a battle with the Fire Chief that had become personal in nature. Still awaiting final numbers.

Note: For full disclosure, winning council candidate Rod Schilling is a regular contributor to LakesideInfo.com.