By BOBBY HORN JR.
MONT BELVIEUMont Belvieu Mayor Nick Dixon jumped out to an early lead and maintained it through election day, defeating challenger Kevin Speer 470-359.
According to City Secretary Phyllis Sockwell Dixon collected 318 votes during the early voting period. Speer had 267 votes going into Election Day. On Saturday, Dixon outpaced Speed by a 3:2 margin with 152 votes to Speers 92 votes.
During the campaign Speer, a local real estate developer, challenged Dixons ability to lead the city through what been unprecedented growth. Speer said that the city had to be prepared for growth over the next five to 10 years. Dixon responded by saying that the city, through its long-range plan, had anticipated the growth and was in the progress of addressing the issues. He pointed to improvements on water and sewer and the Eagle Drive expansion as two projects designed to accommodate people moving into the area.
Lydia Schneider had no trouble winning reelection to the Position 2 on the city council. She defeated Eric Johnson 557 to 240. Schneider collected 404 votes during the early voting period, while Johnson had 158 in the days leading up to Election Day.
Mike Pomykal, who was unopposed in his reelection bid for Position 1, received 603 votes.
OLD RIVER-WINFREE
Last year Kenneth Epperson lost his bid for reelection as a Chambers County Justice of the Peace. Turning his attention to city government, he sought the Position 1 seat on the city council, which was being vacated by Jerron Young. Also setting her eyes on the seat was Angela Motz. Despite taking a three-vote lead during the early voting period, Eppersons supporters came out on Saturday and gave him an 81-69 victory.
Jackie Johnson and J.S. Steadham returned to city council, as each was unopposed in their respective races.
BARBERS HILL
Incumbents proved victorious during Saturdays school board election.
In the race for Position 3 Perry Carrington Sr. jumped out to a 290-249 lead over George Barrera during early voting. However, the tide turned Saturday as Barrera outpaced Carrington 931 to 760 on Saturday.
Likewise in the race for Position 4, incumbent Benny May found himself down 311-268 to challenger Lawrence Elmo Camp. Saturday was a difference story as May collected 765 votes on Saturday to Camps 559 votes.
