A special election will be held for the City of Clarksdale Ward 1 position between Bo Plunk and Ray Sykes at a date to be determined.
Sykes defeated Plunk, a four-term incumbent, in the Democratic Primary runoff on April 22 by a two-vote margin of 413 to 411. Sykes will hold the seat until a date for the election is determined. The Governor’s office will determine the date for the special election between Sykes and Plunk.
Plunk contested the results and the hearing was held in Coahoma County Circuit Court on the morning of July 10.
While a short hearing did take place for retired Judge Jeff Weill from Hinds County to explain that both candidates agreed to have a special election between Plunk and Sykes, the settlement was reached on July 9.
“We filed this lawsuit because we found numerous illegal votes and we are happy that the other side agreed that a special election was in order because of those illegal votes,” Plunk’s attorney Sam Begley out of Jackson said.
Begley said settlements such as this one often occur before a hearing takes place.
“There was a flurry of activity. We had subpoenaed maybe 40 or more witnesses of people who we contended did not live in the ward, but voted in the election,” Begley said. “Since there was only a two-vote margin, we felt confident. You never know for sure, but we felt like we would have a good case for getting a special election, which we did.”
Sykes’ attorney Margarette Meeks out of Greenwood agreed there should be a new election.
“I think that the best remedy for this contest is a new election,” Meeks said. “Yes, I think it’s the best remedy.
“I think this agreement was right.
“From looking at materials in the ballot box, I saw some things that suggested that maybe a new election would be the remedy.”
Meeks stressed that Sykes is still the Ward 1 commissioner.
“He will continue to serve until a successor is elected and duly qualified,” Meeks said.
Just after the hearing started on July 10, Weill asked who in the audience was present under subpoena. Several Coahoma County residents raised their hands and Weill informed them they would no longer have to testify.
Weill then said there would be a special election between Plunk and Sykes.
“In the past, it’s generally been 45 to 90 days (later), something along those lines,” Weill said.
Weill explained that both parties agreed to the special election.
“The parties looked at it and thought the best way to do it instead of having a two-day hearing was a special election,” he said.
Begley said he believes the special election between Plunk and Sykes will be held soon. The State Representative and State Senator special elections will be in Coahoma County on Nov. 4. The State Senator primaries will be on Aug. 5.
Begley said the election for the City of Clarksdale Ward 1 Commissioner should be held on a day when no other elections are taking place.
“In my opinion, there is a reason that municipal elections are set in the spring and are in odd years so that you don’t get caught up in state politics on the same ballot,” he said. “We would hope that this special election would be just for this office.”
Begley said city elections deal with local issues such as garbage, police and fire, while state and national elections are about issues such as “Obamacare” and “school choice.”
“You get the municipal candidates overcome by state or federal issues and it’s just better if you’ve got people talking about what they want out of municipal government,” Begley said.
Meeks did not have a preference on when the Ward 1 election should be.
“I’m just going to leave that to the discretion of the Governor’s Office,” she said.
Meeks did encourage all Ward 1 residents to vote.
“When the day of the special election is announced, make sure that you plan to vote,” she said. “Because we know that voter turnout is low for runoffs and special elections.”
Weill, who served on the Jackson City Council himself, appreciated both Plunk’s and Sykes’ willingness to run for office.
“It’s hard work,” Weill said.
“I’m surprised either one of you wants to do it, but somebody’s got to do it,” Weill continued in a joking manner.
In a more serious manner, Weill said he hopes Plunk and Sykes shake hands after the election is finished.
