Sneads, Grand Ridge, and Marianna City Election Results

Elections held on Tuesday, April 14

By Sid Riley

Three Jackson County communities held municipal elections this week.

Sneads – Greg Lewis (143 votes) , Patricia Cox (71) : In Sneads, Incumbent Councilman Greg Lewis was opposed by Sneads Elementary employee Patricia Cox. In this contest, Lewis won by a vote count of 72 votes.

Grand Ridge- Chris Wright (145), James Barwick (54) and Ronnie Durden (119), Rodney Riddles (73) In Grand Ridge, there were two contests on the ballot. For Mayor, incumbent James Barwick was opposed by resident Chris Wright. Wright won this race by a landslide 91 votes. However, an amendment of the town charter which would create an elected mayor position rather than an appointed mayor, was defeated. This has created some confusion on the ballot as well as some confusion relating to the procedures remaining to legally make Wright the Mayor. Also in Grand Ridge, incumbent Ronnie Durden was challenged for his council seat by Rodney Riddles. The winner of this battle was Ronnie Durden, who won by 46 votes.

Marianna- James Wise (55 votes), Dr. R. Brunner (20 votes): In Marianna, a rigorous campaign for a seat on the City Commission was waged between current Councilman – Mayor, James Wise, and former Councilman, Dr. Richard Brunner. Wise won this contest by a vote count of 35 votes. Only 75 voters participated out of the 714 eligible voters. This was only a 10.5% turnout.