In its first election, the recently incorporated Southside in Independence County chose a mayor and aldermen, and filled other government positions Tuesday.
The election followed a low-key campaign that had candidates handing out business cards to prospective voters instead of putting up campaign signs.
The unofficial results for mayor were:
Ray Bowman 207
Sheri Cavaness 38
The unofficial results for Position 1 alderman were:
Jerry Byrd 191
Beth Altman 49
The unofficial results for Position 4 alderman were:
Joey Sample 166
Nolan Garrett 52
Charles Lawson 22
The unofficial results for Position 5 alderman were:
Tim Fairchild 124
Fern Phillips 113
Vince Gay was unopposed for Position 2 alderman, and Mary Beth Bowen was unopposed for Position 3 alderman.
The unofficial results for marshal were:
Bobby Mize 188
Dennis Gordon 47
The unofficial results for city recorder were:
Vera Byrd 159
Jessica Altman 82
Byron Southerland was unopposed for city treasurer.
When reached by phone Tuesday night, Bowman, 52, said he wasn't sure when he'd be sworn in as mayor because the town is still trying to figure out how the process will work.
"I'm very pleased," he said of his victory. "And very honored. And very humbled."
Southside residents fought being annexed into Batesville last summer, fearing that it would mean paying higher property taxes and that following Batesville's city regulations and ordinances would change Southside residents' way of life. They gathered petitions to incorporate, and within a few weeks had collected 780 signatures from the 900 or so residents who were registered to vote.
Batesville leaders challenged the way the Southside petitions were gathered and placed the annexation proposal on the November general election ballot.
Metro on 08/12/2015