Election numbers favorable for incumbents, referendums

The Cherokee County Election Department has released unofficial cumulative results for May 7 elections in Rusk and New Summerfield, along with those of state constitutional amendments.

The unofficial early reports are based on all 35 precincts reporting, posted at 9:28 p.m. on the Election Department’s webpage on www.co.cherokee.tx.us

In Rusk, the following results have been posted for early and absentee voting:
• City Council District 3 – Challenger Zack McNew, 55 votes (63.22 percent); incumbent Martin Holsome, 32 votes (36.78 percent)

City Council District 4 – Incumbent Martha Neely, 26 votes (100 percent). Neely is uncontested in the race

City Council District 6 – Challenger Kelly Clay, 31 votes (41.89 percent); incumbent Frances Long 43 votes (58.11 percent)

Proposition A – increase length of residency of city council candidate from 6 to 12 months: 108 votes (79.64 percent) for; 45 (20.36 percent) against

Proposition B – amend city charter to allow city manager to reside outside of city limits, but within Rusk ISD boundaries. 108 votes (49.54 percent) for; 110 (50.46 percent) against

Preposition C – clarify recall election procedures, allowing any registered voter in Rusk to sign recall position, but limit the recall vote to residents of district impacted by the recall. 161 votes (75.23 percent) for; 53 votes (24.77 percent) against
Preposition D – limit recall of council members to only once during any particular term of office. 133 votes (63.03 percent) for; 78 votes (36.97 percent) against

New Summerfield ISD, with the top three vote-getters winning at-large seats on the school board:

Incumbent Gary Don Davis – 42 votes (35 percent)

Incumbent Joe Taylor – 40 votes (33.33 percent)

Jesus Mendoza – 1 vote (0.83 percent)

Incumbent Lori Lawson – 37 votes (30.83 percent)

David Mendoza – 0 votes

Results for two constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by the State of Texas are showing signs of support from early and absentee voters:

Proposition 1 – property tax limit reduction for elderly and disabled residents. 1,325 votes (88.81 percent) for; 167 votes (11.19 percent) against

Proposition 2 – increased homestead exemption for school district property taxes. 1,301 votes (87.26 percent) for; 190 votes (12.74 percent) against