Taylor, Biggers lead; Swain-Sisson race close (Charlotte Observer)
Excerpted from story:
HUNTERSVILLE
With unofficial returns from all eight precincts, Swain had 2,168 votes, to 2,046 votes for Sisson.
Swain said she has worked hard to develop good relationships with other local, state and federal leaders, to help manage growth in the city. Sisson said his 20 years as a business consultant make him a better planner and manager.
During the campaign, Sisson said Swain has not communicated well with town commissioners and has not provided good leadership. Swain countered that Sisson told her a few years ago that “there’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s running things.” Both candidates denied the other’s charges.
CONCORD
Longtime incumbent Mayor Scott Padgett won re-election Tuesday, beating back a challenge from a declared candidate and a write-in.
With returns counted from all 25 precincts, Padgett had 71 percent of the vote, to 18.9 percent for Johnny “Elvis” Almond and 9.6 percent for write-in hopeful Alex Porter.
Padgett came under criticism last year for the city’s deal with Lowes Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith over development of the dragstrip next to the speedway. But Porter mounted a write-in candidacy on the issue of the new Cabarrus County Detention Center. That jail is being located in downtown Concord, a block from the historic district, where Porter lives.
The detention center was an issue of contention in Concord, and Porter led the neighborhood opposition.
Observer staff writers Cliff Harrington, Celeste Smith and Mark Price, and special correspondent Melinda Johnston contributed.
By Steve Lyttle
[email protected]
Posted: Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009
