Published: May 21, 2008 08:46 am      

Smart leader in commission race

The four Richmond City Commission incumbents made the top eight in Tuesday’s primary election, but the most votes went to a first-time candidate.

Rita Smart received 17.26 percent of the votes cast for the city commission primary election that boasted 11 candidates total.

“I’m humbled,” Smart said. “For my first time out, to be the top vote-getter, I’m really honored that people would put their faith in me for this.” However, the amount of votes she received also is a reflection of something else, she said.

“It says that the citizens of Richmond are ready, and I’m ready for them with my ‘smart’ solutions. When we cover the basics, all the other things fall into place.”

As for her campaigning efforts leading up to the November general election, “I’m going to start tomorrow,” Smart said.

Trailing by just 84 votes, Commissioner Robert Blythe took 16.69 percent of the overall votes cast.

“I’m certainly pleased to be in the top four and I want to commend Rita on running such an excellent race,” Blythe said.

The vote tallies could be taken as an alarm to the incumbents, he said.

“It may be a challenge to the persons who now sit on the commission,” he said. “I’m pleased that I ran as well as I did, and I greatly appreciate the support from those who voted for me.”

Commissioner Mike Brewer fell 616 votes behind Blythe with 12.49 percent of total votes cast.

“We’ve weathered big storm, Brewer said. “I’ve always finished in the top three, and I’m very happy.”

Commissioner Bill Strong trailed Brewer by just 29 votes ending with 12.29 percent of votes cast.

Strong could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Commissioner Kay Cosby Jones missed being in the top four by 171 votes, but is excited about her opportunity to move forward, she said. Jones received 11.13 percent of the total vote.

“My public service is very important to me, and the future for my son and for other citizens of Richmond is very important to me,” said Jones, who has served 20 years as city commissioner.

Aside from Smart, the second newcomer to continue on to the general election will be Ian Ward who received 6.82 percent of votes cast.

“I’m very excited and validated, somewhat,” Ward said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity now to begin work.”

Some of his first general election campaign initiatives will be going door to door, he said. Another tactic he plans on using is talking to potential voters face to face and finding out ways he can serve them.

“It’s not about the value of signage or airtime, but it’s about seeing the people,” he said.

Richard Thomas, a member of Richmond’s Planning and Zoning Commission, was next in line with 6.67 percent of the vote.

If elected a city commissioner in the November election, he will begin several initiatives beginning by focusing on the city’s infrastructure, he said.

“I’m also concerned about the city streets,” Thomas said. “Our street system has fallen by the wayside,” Thomas said. “I think it’s time to regroup and concentrate on what we already have instead of adding more.”

Michael Bryant, who serves as director for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP), finished just slightly behind Thomas with 6.27 percent of votes cast.

“I’m pleased I made it through the primary,” Bryant said. “My plans are to develop a strategy for November and get out and work hard. When the precinct totals come out Wednesday, that will tell me the areas where I need to work the most.”

Three other challengers and their vote totals were: Cameron Gibson, 566; Doug Parker, 491; and John McDaniel III, 466.

Tuesday’s voter turnout was less than expected, especially because the primary included a presidential election, said Madison County Clerk Billy Gabbard.

“This turnout is not as big as the previous turnout we had (in a presidential primary),” he said.

Gabbard estimated that the total voter turnout was about 30 percent.

There are 56 voting precincts countywide, but only 13 of those are within the city limits. Voters in those 13 precincts are the only ones allowed to vote in the Richmond City Commission election.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.