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Greenville City Council District 1 candidate Kandie Smith celebrates after learning the results in her race against incumbent Mildred Council on Tuesday evening.
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Change coming to council
Blackburn wins big; Smith holds 12 vote margin over Mildred Council
By Kathryn Kennedy
The Daily Reflector
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Two new faces likely will join the Greenville City Council next year, as a 22-year veteran was narrowly defeated and a new representative steps up from District 3 in Tuesday's municipal election.
Unofficial results indicate that Kandie Smith earned 12 more votes than incumbent Mildred Council in District 1.
The race was not close enough for Council to request a recount, said Pitt County Elections Director Dave Davis The margin of victory must be one percent or less for that option to apply.
However, provisional votes — ballots cast by people whose names couldn't be found on the register — still must be counted and an official canvass must be conducted by the board on Nov. 10.
“I'm excited,” said Smith, who gathered Tuesday night with friends at a downtown restaurant. “I'm overwhelmed. It wasn't a small task. I personally picked up 13 people to take to the polls. If I hadn't done that, I might have lost.”
Smith said she highly respects Council and her role as advocate in the community. She said if she's named the official winner, she hopes to partner with Council in the future.
“Either way it goes,” Smith said, “I'm going to keep calm. If I won, then now it's time to get to work.”
Council could not be reached for comment.
In District 3, Marion Blackburn defeated Howard Stearn and will fill the seat left vacant by Larry Spell, who opted not to run for re-election.
Blackburn, a freelance writer and River Hills community activist, said she believes her win sends a message that neighborhoods are important to the people of Greenville.
“Safe, strong neighborhoods are a vital part of our city's quality of life,” she said. “The message I also get is people are interested in alternative transportation — walking, biking and other alternative forms of transportation — and that there also is interest in sustainable, clean energy jobs.”
Stearn could not be reached for comment.
Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn won her bid for re-election, and said she and her supporters worked very hard to earn the victory over opponent Minnie Johnson-Anderson.
“Greenville is a great city with great people,” she said. “But we still have a lot of work to do in terms of revitalization ... transportation, and delivering services in tight economic times.”
Johnson-Anderson said she will continue her work to improve Greenville and to call attention to important issues.“I made myself available,” she said. “I'm hoping this administration will continue to address crime and the need for jobs and lead the people. All the people.”
At-Large Councilman Bryant Kittrell defeated challenger Zeke Jackson to continue representing the city as a whole.
“I'm excited and looking forward to serving another two years,” Kittrell said. “I feel somewhat vindicated by the margin, and the positions we've taken on downtown and other issues.”
Jackson said he was satisfied that he was able to get certain issues on the table: A four-day work week, community gardens and others.
“Bryant Kittrell is a good guy and my hat's off to him for winning and beating me to the degree that he did,” he said.
Councilman Calvin Mercer will continue to represent District 4, after beating Matt Smith by more than 1,600 votes.
“It was an election,” Matt Smith said. “Calvin ran an excellent campaign and I wish him all the luck in the world.”
Mercer could not be reached for comment.
District 2 Councilwoman Rose Glover and District 5 Councilman Max Joyner Jr. ran unopposed.
Contact Kathryn Kennedy at kkennedy@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9566.
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Your comments
Billy
11/10/2009 11:35:12 PM
I am so glad that Mildred Council is off the City Council. I moved here in 1995 and she has been the worst person on City Council since. She did nothing but try to make everything into a race thing. Give me a break, good luck doing something else other than with the City of Greenville. Happy day's are here again. Let us not forget the your past and be greatful that you are gone!
Suggest removalNice.
11/05/2009 03:05:15 PM
I know I am glad he doesn't teach my child. What morals he has shown! Abandoning his job to beg for votes? Saving "night life?" yeah, glad he does not teach my child. Who knows what he says to students.
Suggest removalNice.
11/05/2009 03:00:43 PM
I know I am glad he doesn't teach my child. What morals he has shown! Abandoning his job to beg for votes? Saving "night life?" yeah, glad he does not teach my child. Who knows what he says to students.
Suggest removalWait
11/05/2009 02:53:23 PM
He teaches school? And he's trying to save the downtown? And he's missing out on school to stand at polling places?
Suggest removalARe you sure he's not just teaching because that was part of Judge Duke's punishment after Zeke was convicted of stealing signs?
Public Record
11/05/2009 02:51:12 PM
Why is c*h*u*c*k*l*e bleeped out? Odd.
Suggest removalPublic Record
11/05/2009 02:50:08 PM
I just ******* when I wonder why he even runs, then I remember he's quite proud to have won the do-nothing/know-nothing job of soil and water supervisor. It scares me to think people run for the sake of running. But sadly, we have alot of politicians like that - you can see it in their eyes - dont want to help others, just make a name for themselves.
Suggest removalI'm sure everyone knows who I'm referring to.....
Record, etc.
11/05/2009 02:46:01 PM
Teaching, saving downtown "night life." What a combo. Glad he lost.
Suggest removalTo Public Record...
11/05/2009 02:44:31 PM
Unfortunately, money and dirty politics go hand in hand. Do not be surprised if they continue to run for offices. You know it is sad, it said he was a teacher. What was Zeke Jackson doing out of school on election day? I guess the "job" of running for something is more important. Poor kids. Mark my words. He'll run for something, anything, again. He tinks too highly of himself not to do so.
Suggest removalPublic Record
11/05/2009 02:28:34 PM
I'm glad lots of the people who think they are on the "in crowd" lost. The whole Zeke Jackson and Kathy Taft crowd lost miserably - now if we can just get the other cronie of Mercer out of there, we'll be in business. We have got to push people like Taft, Jackson, Mercer, and other "running for the sake of running" likes out of politics. Good job people.
Suggest removal2 down - 1 more to go in the next election cycle I guess!!
I remember
11/05/2009 02:26:25 PM
when Kathy "What's going on" Taft lost the election, there was an entire article in the newspaper about her "life after running and losing."
Suggest removalWill the paper be extending this courtesy to all the candidates who also failed at their campaigns?
Jaycee
11/05/2009 10:56:08 AM
To "Glover Lives Smack In The": How do you know Glover lives smack in the middle of crack town? Are you buying your crack there?! There are plenty of good people who live & work in her district. You should be ashamed of yourself! Got news for you... drugs & violence are everywhere, even in supposed better class neighborhoods.
Suggest removalI would love it
11/05/2009 10:52:25 AM
If someone could get a picture of Zeke picking up his own signs. That would be classic.
Suggest removalWe could even mail it to Judge Duke to show how he has reformed.
I agree
11/05/2009 10:40:27 AM
The fool part of foolhardy is pretty accurate. I have never seen someone so full of himself. Go pick up your signs and act like the decent human being you pretend to be, Zeke Jackson.
Suggest removalSorry Zeke
11/05/2009 10:33:24 AM
What is sad is that if you had not been so foolhardy this election, you might have continued with Soil & Water. Now with the next election you won't have a chance. Didn't think that one through, huh?
Suggest removalAnd get these signs cleaned up! Stealing other peoples' signs hasnt stopped you before!
Take out kandic
11/04/2009 09:39:16 PM
Kandic smith to oppose rose, she can do it!WE can do more with 1 Kandic , then we can with 2 lieing woman.
Suggest removalRose
11/04/2009 09:28:26 PM
Rose why do i know that name .A rose go ahead and get your things together, I love you but you got go.Also thank you for saleing out our kids to ecu and pmch. IF dr. was a live she would fail dead. thank you rose ,A rose when you see mr.council tell her R.I.P.
Suggest removalGlover lives smack in the
11/04/2009 07:29:44 PM
middle of cracktown so unfortunately there aren't any people living in her district that are qualified to oppose her. I truly believe that is why she doesn't want to do anything to clean up crime in WG because if they do there will be good people moving into the neighborhood and they may run against her.
Suggest removalTo "Don't be fooled Kandie"
11/04/2009 07:25:40 PM
You are wrong. Yes we wanted Council out but we definitely wanted Kandie there. Kandie will be a great asset to the community and to the City Council. Kandie will represent all the people and not be a racist like Council. She will get things done. Kandie don't ever let anyone tell you that you are not wanted in your district. You are a life saver.
Suggest removalOne Down, One to go!
11/04/2009 06:28:39 PM
How in the world did Council hang around for 22 years? She was a bad joke! Congratulations & good luck Mrs. Smith. Your district needs a lot of work & hopefully you can get it done! Now if we could just get a real leader to step forward in District 2!
Suggest removalMan!
11/04/2009 05:30:35 PM
I agree with wow. I hope everyone got their fustration out. To What...Phonics-Thanks!! Everyone up here needs their grammar checked.
Suggest removalfrom see you
11/04/2009 04:33:03 PM
I can spell this GOOD-buy, is thus her son or her girls. she say 2 sons but when you see them you you gone get mad with mr.counil for let the man of house trun his boys into little gr--- . I CAN THIS GOOD NOW MAYBE SHE GO GET SOME HELP FOR HER DRUG @@@@@@@@ ON PEOPLE ON DRUGS SALE EVER THING WHAT HELL HAVE SHE DONE ? this from a black man in the hood.keeping it real.
Suggest removalppr
11/04/2009 04:25:30 PM
I worked with MRS. COuncil for years, and she has always stirred up trouble, and is a racist. No one could stand her attitude, she took everything and always tried to turn things around to bring race into a situation. I for one am glad she is gone.
Suggest removalppr
11/04/2009 04:25:18 PM
I worked with MRS. COuncil for years, and she has always stirred up trouble, and is a racist. No one could stand her attitude, she took everything and always tried to turn things around to bring race into a situation. I for one am glad she is gone.
Suggest removala voter
11/04/2009 04:23:00 PM
I am so happy with the outcome of the elections....Pat,Calvin, Marion, Kandie, congratulations to a well run race, we look forward to new faces with positve ideas on our council. Keep up the hard work. Thanks to Larry Spell and we are so glad mildred council is gone for good. there need to be term limits to people that drag our city down with narrow minded ideas.
Suggest removala voter
11/04/2009 04:19:48 PM
I am so happy with the outcome of the elections....Pat,Calvin, Marion, Kandie, congratulations to a well run race, we look forward to new faces with positve ideas on our council. Keep up the hard work. Thanks to Larry Spell and we are so glad mildred council is gone for good. there need to be term limits to people that drag our city down with narrow minded ideas.
Suggest removalcj
11/04/2009 03:38:50 PM
thanks! i agree with your sentiment as well.
Suggest removalHey Zeke
11/04/2009 02:22:22 PM
Good run man -- now you can still go forward with your main cause -- giving bar owners guns to shoot all the criminals downtown. Enjoy the soil patrol.
Suggest removalto cj
11/04/2009 02:00:41 PM
I will vote for you anytime you want to run. It's about time people making government decisions make them based on what's good for everybody - not just some. And that's local, state, and federal government. 2010 and 2012 can not get here fast enough.
Suggest removalAlso
11/04/2009 01:14:13 PM
While you are at it, Zeke, how about not stealing anyone else's signs for posterity?
Suggest removalZeke Jackson
11/04/2009 01:06:52 PM
Congrats to Bryant and the other winning council members! I wish you all the best in governing our city. Thank you to all of those that supported and voted for me. At 27 I am glad to have participated in the process and learned much from it. To those that cannot let it go: I will not be helping to clean up any signs...you're stuck with them.
Suggest removalwow
11/04/2009 12:29:01 PM
some of the people on this post need to get a life. take some of your anger and the energy used in these belittling statements and put it to good use by doing something about it. instead of wasting all your time trying to boost your own ego's.
Suggest removalDon't Be Fooled Kandie
11/04/2009 12:26:03 PM
Congratulation Kandie! it's not going to be an easy stay for you, as you can see by some of these comments. They really didn't want YOU there, they just wanted Council OUT! Take nothing for granted, watch your own back, stick to your plans, keep your head to the sky and NEVER forget where you come from... we are depending on YOU! Represent!!!
Suggest removalBlackburn on the Radio
11/04/2009 12:18:09 PM
I heard it too...it was AWFUL!!! Great way to start your council career...
Suggest removalBlackburn wins big
11/04/2009 12:04:37 PM
The almost exact same number of votes were cast this election for her as were cast for Spell two years ago. All this shows is the political machine worked. Good luck spending money on bikeways when the streets need repairs and the budget is shrinking. Nice interview on the Radio this morning.
Suggest removalWhat... phonics
11/04/2009 12:01:47 PM
"Mrs. Mildred Council is very educated. I believe she has a Master. I never heard her speak incorrect grammar. Get Real!
Suggest removalAll you haters!!"
Council might be educated but dear, you are not! See your own comment above... Dr. Seuss hooked on Phonics style.
Jaycee
11/04/2009 11:52:33 AM
To Truth: Rose Glover was unchanllenged & is still on city council. Are you mistaking her for Mildred Council?
Suggest removalcj
11/04/2009 11:48:55 AM
yeah, maybe-- but you are forgetting about the few that might actually agree with me. i can't help it the truth hurts. chances are i wouldn't want their support anyway. you see, they are part of the problem. if i had their support, that means i would have sold myself out. and there is NO chance of that happening. but this is a useless conversation, considering i am not running in the foreseeable future.
Suggest removalwhat!!
11/04/2009 11:46:10 AM
Mrs. Mildred Council is very educated. I believe she has a Master. I never heard her speak incorrect grammar.
Suggest removalGet Real!
All you haters!! Maybe you should run and make your city a better place. I should say make your city like you want it.
ECU graduate
11/04/2009 11:44:08 AM
I saw Mrs. Council at a town meeting and she spoke to me I told her I graduated with my BSW and having a hard time finding a job. She gave me some pointers and advice , i used her advice and I know work for Lenoir County DSS. My hats off to Mrs. Council. U are a inspiration to us all..
Suggest removalRM
11/04/2009 11:33:21 AM
I am disappointed Council lost she has experience and have got things done in the past. What do we know about Kandie Smith? I saw her last interview and she seem withdrawn.... G'ville lost a good one in Ms. Council. Council will always be respected in the community...
Suggest removalOh CJ
11/04/2009 11:31:24 AM
Buddy, I'll tell you what... If CJ is your real name or at least your initials, you would lose thousands of votes just based on all the people you upset on this board alone. Your thought process would be better served on the soil committee with Zeke. But you running would be entertaining to say the least.
Suggest removalG' ville resident
11/04/2009 11:29:30 AM
I lived in another district and if i had the chance i would have voted for Mrs. Council. Not only have she served on the council for years but she did another Human service in her professional career. I think she should have ran for mayor along time ago.
Suggest removalcj
11/04/2009 11:21:18 AM
not hiding behind anything. you know nothing about my life and/or what i am involved in, and for those reasons i couldn't care less about your opinion of me. i will tell you this, if i were to run, i bet almost anything i have that i'd win your vote.
Suggest removalgvegaspirate
11/04/2009 11:18:39 AM
Seriously? When they began broadcasting and replaying the City Council meetings, after viewing once, it was obvious that Ms Council was an embarrassment to the city. This woman's grammar, speech and ignorance was an embarrassment to the community and gave visitors to the community a bad impression of Greenville.
Suggest removalGreenville
11/04/2009 11:05:13 AM
is a better place today with Kandie Smith.
Suggest removalCongratulations!!!
CJ
11/04/2009 10:18:13 AM
You must not have that much on your plate based on all the useless comments you make on basically every story on this site. But continue to spew and hide behind your excuses.
Suggest removalSam
11/04/2009 10:15:52 AM
Why do you call Ms. Council a black woman? Why not just call her a woman?
Suggest removalcj
11/04/2009 10:11:46 AM
to 'cj for mayor'
Suggest removali have too much on my plate at the present. but, i'll be sure to let you know if my intentions change in the future. until then i will continue to call it as i see where ever and when ever i can.
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