Incumbents turn back challengers in Marion

Incumbents turn back challengers in Marion

Jackson, O’Neal re- elected to council

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Two Marion city councilmen will get to keep their seats for another four year term.

Incumbents Bryan Jackson and Kelly O’Neal both held off strong challenges.

Jackson, who has served on the council for the past 14 years, defeated former councilwoman Sherry Holliman 2,502-2,019 for the Ward 3 Position 1 seat.

“I’ll take it,” Jackson said.

“I’d like to thank everybody who came out to vote for me. It was a long couple of weeks. I’m glad to have it over. I look forward to getting back to work and starting to do things for Marion.”

O’Neal outpolled newcomer Matt Hale 2,345- 2,255 to win a second term on the city council in Ward 1 Position 1.

O’Neal credited the hard won victory to the efforts of his wife Lisa, who put up signs, shook as many hands as he did at the early voting polls, and knocked on doors drumming up support for his campaign.

“I’m just so happy and overwhelmed by the support,” O’Neal said. “I can honestly say that I love my wife. I attribute this win to her. She is the most supportive and loving person.

Everybody likes her. And, she sold some houses on top of that.”

In the only contested county race, Justice Kenneth Cross won re-election to the JP District 9 seat, defeating

Steven Jefferson

503-436.

“It feels great,” Cross said. “I’m real happy with the numbers. I’m glad it happened like it did. I talked with the county judge and we will be meeting to put the budget together. We’ll be rolling up our sleeves and ready to get back to

work.”

By Mark Randall