Races in Ivor, Newsoms

Published 9:26 am Saturday, April 28, 2012

Often elections in small towns can be fairly uneventful, resulting in low voter turnout.

While the spirited Franklin mayoral election has gotten most of the attention, voters in Ivor and Newsoms on Tuesday, May 1, also will get to choose a mayor.

In Ivor, Councilwoman Sandy Vick and Larry Smith are running for the job. Mayor Keith Joyner chose not to seek re-election to the two-year seat.

And in Newsoms, single-term Councilman Bryan Flythe is attempting to unseat Mayor Harvey Porter, who is vying for a sixth term.

All have told us their main concern in both towns is water drainage problems after heavy rains. Newsoms recently did a study that indicates it will cost $1.6 million to fix those flooding problems. Grants will be sought.

In towns like Ivor and Newsoms, mayors are neighbors. Most citizens probably know the candidates. And if you don’t, you can give them a call if you want to know more about them, or visit them at home. That’s how it’s done in small towns.

But more important, be sure to get out and vote on Tuesday. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.