Municipal Election Results for Olney, Newcastle
Voters in Olney chose two new members for the City Council and elected a new school board trustee Saturday, according to unofficial results released by the Young County Elections Office.
Sammy Livingston and Colson Ballard won the two available seats on the Olney City Council, while Kyle Turner was elected to the Olney ISD Board of Trustees, Place 6.
Mr. Livingston led the council race with 193 votes, or 38.22 percent of the 505 total votes cast. Mr. Ballard secured the second seat with 133 votes, or 26.34 percent.
Other candidates included incumbent City Councilmember Terri Wipperman with 65 votes (12.87 percent), former Councilmember Tommy Kimbro with 60 votes (11.88 percent), Jacqueline “Jackie” Voyles with 40 votes (7.92 percent), and Steven Kinyk with 14 votes (2.77 percent).
Mr. Livingston, a 2001 Olney High School graduate who returned to Olney in 2017, said before the election he hoped to continue serving his hometown.
“I would be honored to serve my community through a seat on the Olney City Council,” Mr. Livingston said. “My family and I are heavily involved in the community and take pride in Olney’s rich history and traditions.”
He said his priorities include addressing city roads, cleaning up abandoned properties, and “restoring trust and transparency with community members.” Mr. Ballard, who works at Tower Extrusions, said his focus is on balancing growth while preserving what makes Olney unique.
“I want to help Olney continue to improve and grow while working to maintain the qualities and rich traditions that make it special,” Mr. Ballard said. “My goal is to help make practical and thoughtful decisions while considering all of the people of Olney.”
In the Olney ISD Trustee, Place 6 race, Mr. Turner defeated Jeromy Johnson, receiving 178 votes (54.60 percent) to Johnson’s 148 votes (45.40 percent). A total of 326 votes were cast in the race.
Mr. Turner, a 2012 Olney High School graduate, said his campaign centered on continuing the district’s progress and supporting students.
“It is an honor to seek election to the Olney ISD Board of Trustees,” Mr. Turner said prior to the election. “I look forward to much continued success for the students of Olney ISD and would be thrilled to serve in this important role.”
Mr. Turner, who works at Air Tractor and has been active in community organizations including Keep Olney Beautiful and First Baptist Church, said he hopes to help create “a culture of excellence where all students are supported, inspired, and prepared to lead in their future endeavors.”
Mr. Johnson said his goal was to give back to the community that shaped him.
“This community welcomed me as a child and helped shape the person I am today,” Johnson said. “I am committed to serving our schools and supporting the families, teachers, and students who make this community strong.”
In the Olney ISD Trustee, Place 7 race, Kelly Mahler ran unopposed and was re-elected with 303 votes.
In Newcastle ISD races, Shelly Shields won Trustee, Place 6 with 126 votes (55.75 percent), defeating Tina Hawkins, who received 100 votes (44.25 percent).
The Place 7 race in Newcastle was decided by a single vote, with J.P. Coop receiving 112 votes (50.22 percent) to edge Carla Short, who had 111 votes (49.78 percent).
Mayor Rue Rogers ran unopposed in Olney and received 247 votes.
The results remain unofficial until canvassed by local officials in the coming days.