Published: October 07, 2008 09:19 pm         

Othell Phillips wins Gardendale mayoral race

Morris, Currington, Phillips win council seats.

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Endorsements from three mayoral candidates may have played a key role in helping Othell Phillips defeat Oscar Mann in Gardendale's mayoral race.

Phillips had a total of 1,985 votes (61 percent) in comparison to Mann who had 1,284 votes (39 percent).

Following the Aug. 26 municipal election, candidates Jonathan Dunagan, Dennis Gamble and Matt Wright pledged their support for Phillips, the owner of a Gardendale mortgage company.

Phillips said he and his family would take a short vacation, but he looked forward to making plans for the future.

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm looking forward to moving the city forward and trying to bring some enthusiasm to the city and represent people's wishes."

Another unique aspect of Phillips' victory is that Mann had previously been Phillips' coach and teacher. Phillips called Mann on Monday and told him that if Mann won, he would work with him on any city issues. Phillips said he may call on Mann in the future.

"I have the upmost respect for him," Phillips said. "I would be willing to work on any projects that he may have some knowledge on."

Mann said he was proud to have run a clean campaign and would be willing to work for the city in some capacity.

"I've got 30 years invested in the city," Mann said. "It's a great place to live and I'm not going anywhere. I told Othell if there was anything I could do to help him, I'd be glad to do that."

Phillips will serve the city in a full-time capacity, earning $57,000 annually. He has also inherited a decreased budget of $11 million and economic uncertainty. However, he said he's up for the challenge.

"The national economy does concern me," he said. "We'll have to bring fiscal discipline to the city's budget and make the best of the city's money. When times are tough, you have to tighten up at home and it will be the same with city government."

Three other Gardendale races were also decided Tuesday night.

• In Ward 2, Gary Morris (52 percent) defeated Mike Burkett (48 percent).

• In Ward 3, Alvin Currington (65 percent) defeated Lynne Dodson (35 percent).

• In Ward 5, Wendell Phillips (54 percent) defeated David Morris (46 percent).

A special city council meeting will be held on Oct. 14 at noon to canvass Tuesday night's election results. If there are no issues, Morris, Currington and Wendell Phillips will be sworn in with re-elected council member Peggy Tumlin (Ward 1), newly elected coucil member Faith Harper (Ward 4) and Othell Phillips on Nov. 3.

Gardendale City Clerk Keith Mosely said a total of 3,282 voters turned out on Tuesday, as compared to 3,203 in the Aug. 26 municipal election. He said five provisional votes were cast, but were not expected to impact the results of the election.



Trafford

In north Jefferson County's only other run-off race, Robert Niblett (133 votes) defeated Kennth Sanders (116 votes) to become Trafford's new mayor.

He will be sworn in on Nov. 4 during a council meeting. Niblett was not available for comment prior to deadline.