SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Voter turnout was notably low, with less than 8% of registered voters participating.
(photo credits: Fox54 and courtesy photos)
The races for North Huntsville’s City Council and Board of Education seats are heading to a runoff after none of the candidates secured a majority in Tuesday’s municipal election.
In the runoff scheduled for September 24, Michelle Watkins will challenge incumbent Devyn Keith for the District 1 council seat. Chaundra M. Jones will compete against Pat King on the school board side.
Unofficial results show Jones leading the school board race with just over 39%, amounting to 1,506 votes. King is close behind with nearly 35%, or 1,342 votes. Claudia Harris garnered about 13% (512 votes), and former councilman Will Culver received 12.7% (490 votes). Voter turnout could have been much higher, with less than 8% of registered voters participating.
Jones, a social worker and former president of the Huntsville Council PTAs, is focused on improving the district’s educational quality. “Everything else in Huntsville is growing, and we don’t want our schools to lag behind. My goal is to ensure every student receives a top-notch education,” she said. “There’s more work to be done, but I’m committed to it because our students deserve the best.”
King, an engineer and PTA member, highlighted her broad experience as a strength. “I understand how government functions and what leadership entails,” she said. King plans to hold events and forums in the lead-up to the runoff to engage with parents and understand their needs.
In the District 1 council race, Watkins, who has served eight years on the school board, narrowly missed a majority with just over 49% of the 3,965 votes cast. She will face Devyn Keith, who received just under 41% of the votes. Reggie McKenzie finished third with nearly 10%.
Keith, a two-term incumbent, thanked his supporters after Tuesday’s vote. “I’m proud of the campaign we’ve run but aware there’s more work ahead. I’m the only candidate with a clear plan for the next four years,” he said.
In other election news, City Councilman John Meredith won re-election in District 5 with 63% of the vote, defeating Kim Caudle Lewis, a well-funded challenger. Meredith, the son of Civil Rights icon James Meredith, secured a second term despite significant opposition.
Conversely, Keith, who has faced scrutiny following a guilty plea to theft charges last August, managed to force a runoff. In an interview, Watkins expressed optimism about her chances. “I knew this race would be a marathon, and it’s not over until we win,” she said.
With Meredith’s victory solidified, a potential win for Watkins in the runoff could significantly shift the council’s dynamics. The runoff election is set for September 24.
