The votes from the city of Electra’s general and special election held on Saturday were not approved by city officials at Tuesday night’s commissioner’s meeting.
Commissioner Ricky Kelley did not second the approval of the election votes leaving Commissioner Lynda Lynn as the only city official approving them, and with the absence of Kevin Byrd, the other recalled commissioner, Kelley’s voice was heard.
Since Kelley’s name was on the recall ballot for the special election, some residents said they expected it.
“This time I held my ground. I said I didn’t agree to it, and you’re not going to get my vote for it. So, no this is nothing the city should have anticipated, by no means. I’m still looking out for my city,” said Kelley.
Kelley said he has not agreed with the recall petition from the start.
“It wasn’t proven enough in the recall that there were even enough signatures for the recall, and we debated that. We thought about it, and we argued about it since day one that the petitions were turned in,” said Kelley.
Kelley said he does not feel like he should have to vote for something he does not believe in, adding some signatures were not verified and the accusations made by residents were never proven.
Accusations like those city officials on the recall ballot, Mayor Pam Ward and Commissioner Kevin Byrd and Rickey Kelley, abusing their power and being incompetent.
Kelley said they are not right, and he believes neither of them did anything wrong while making decisions for the city of Electra. Without the canvassing of the votes, the newly elected city officials cannot be sworn in. Kelley said he believes this will not slow down the progress of the city, and the commissioner board will continue to conduct business as usual.
One resident was glad Kelley did not approve the votes, and Kelley said he is not surprised because of all the progress the commissioners have made. He wished more residents would have voted because he does not feel the election accurately represents those who live in Electra.
Mayor Pam Ward said she was shocked the votes from the election were not approved and is just ready to move on.
Electra city officials will meet again this Friday for a special meeting to approve the city’s votes and swear in the newly elected city leaders, including Mayor Rickey Foster and Commissioner Place 4 Fran Davis.
– Newschannel 6
