Challengers upset Reid in Hertford

Mummert wins in Winfall as write-in

By Cathy Wilson
The Perquimans Weekly

Tuesday, November 03, 2009
HERTFORD — 

A 12-year incumbent councilor fell one vote shy of winning re-election in Hertford on Tuesday, while a write-in candidate won one of two open seats on the Winfall Town Council.

Horace Reid, who was seeking a fourth term, finished with 137 votes in the Hertford race. However, that was only good enough for third place in the five-candidate race.

Newcomers Ed Lane and Lillian Holman finished first and second, respectively. Lane was the top vote-getter, finishing with 194 votes or 33 percent. Holman finished second with 138 votes — one more than Reid.

“You know, I don’t cry or get upset about too many things, but tonight, I am overwhelmed,” a joyous Lane said Tuesday night. “I didn’t realize I had so many supporters. I appreciate every one of them.”

Holman, who finished with 24 percent of the vote, echoed those sentiments.

“I am really shocked,” she said. “I had such good opposition. I hope I can uphold the trust I’ve gotten with each vote.”

Because of the closeness of the results, Reid said he plans to look into the possibility of a recount.

“I plan to go down there tomorrow and ask for one,” he said Tuesday night.

First elected in 1997, Reid is currently serving his third term as Hertford Town Council’s vice mayor.

Other candidates receiving votes in Hertford’s council race Tuesday were Quentin Jackson, who collected 74, and Lloyd Hodges, who garnered 39. Neither could be reached Tuesday night.

Turnout for Hertford’s election was 18 percent.

In Winfall, Vice Mayor Donna Mummert turned in the surprise of the day by winning re-election to her council seat despite not being on the town’s ballot.

Mummert did not file for re-election, but on Tuesday she campaigned for a council seat outside Winfall’s voting stations. The campaigning paid off: she collected 31 votes as a write-in candidate, besting the two candidates whose names were on the ballot to win one of Winfall’s two open council seats.

Debbie Whedbee, who finished with 29 votes, won Winfall’s other seat.

Steav Congdon finished third, collecting 21 votes.

None of Winfall’s candidates could be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Turnout in Winfall’s election was 11 percent.

Eula Mae Forbes, director of the Perquimans Board of Elections, said turnout for both elections was “very good,” despite a slow start.

All vote totals in Hertford and Winfall Tuesday are considered unofficial until next week’s canvass of votes.