Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.
England, the mayor from 1991 until his defeat in 1999, will enjoy more Democratic Party strength than in his previous terms. Voters retained an 8-1 City Council majority for Democrats and re-elected Democratic City Clerk Marcey Wisman.
The clerk during England’s terms, Republican Regina Overton, unseated him in his previous bid for a third term, something England this year frequently called an instructive experience. Now, he’s loading up “a full plate” of issues.
“We’re going to do housing renovation, code enforcement, new streets, more industries, downtown redevelopment and riverfront development,” England said. “I will work very hard and diligently for the betterment of New Albany.”
Hubbard kept the margin closer than any other mayoral finale in 24 years, but that was no consolation.
“They felt he was a better candidate,” Hubbard said of England. “I don’t know what else I can say. ... What’s meant to be is meant to be.”
If there was a silver lining for Hubbard, it was the knowledge that he’ll avoid some stress.
“I’ll probably live longer — not as many headaches,” said Hubbard, who would not speculate about whether he’d consider running again.
The chairs
Republican Party Chairman David Matthews was “very unhappy” Tuesday night.
“I thought we had Randy’s race won, as well as several of the council seats,” Matthews admitted. He believed the level of voter turnout, below 30 percent, helped England and the Democrats, “and I don’t know how to fix that. We’ll be doing some real careful consideration to remedy any perceived problems.”
Plenty of Democrats perceived a problem when England decided to challenge incumbent Mayor James Garner in the primary, and party Chairman Randy Stumler admitted as much Tuesday night. But after England won the primary by a nose, Stumler said, “everyone jumped on board.”
“I personally believe Doug is one of the best mayors we’ve ever had,” Stumler said.
England demurred when asked to describe how different the mayor’s office will operate in the term to come: “Mayor Garner’s been a personal friend of mine.”
Dirty or clean?
Both tickets accused their foes of dirty campaigning in the fall.
Stumler said his candidates ran “clean, honorable races” and believed the election showed voters are “tired of negative campaigning” from Republicans. England proclaimed, “I ran on issues. They ran on issues of accusations and slander.”
Said Matthews, “I was accused of writing letters that were mudslinging, but there was some of that in my direction.” Hubbard called his campaign “honorable.”
“We didn’t get down and throw dirt,” Hubbard said. “I feel good about it.”
England mostly won precincts in central New Albany, downtown and in the west end. Hubbard claimed precincts to the north and east.
Council reaction
Council candidates said they hoped to see cooperation with the new mayor.
“I think Doug is going to bring the council together,” re-elected Councilman at-large Jack Messer said. “I know I’m going to be knocking his door down” to meet with England.
Steve Price, another successful incumbent, said he was “looking forward to Doug getting that riverfront going again ... get some music down there.”
Lone council Republican Kevin Zurschmiede said, “I just hope the new mayor will try hard to work with the council.”
Dick Bliss — a former five-term councilman who lost his return bid Tuesday — said he hoped the Republicans would campaign together more and solidify their ticket in the next election.
“It was just a straight ticket that got us,” Bliss said at Republican headquarters. “I think 2011 will be a whole new ballgame.”
Election 2007
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Discussion
November 7, 2007
He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race
On second try, former mayor gets third term
- Election 2007
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NEWS ANALYSIS: New Albany's races by the numbers
Three of every eight people who voted in Tuesday’s city elections took care of business with one stroke of a pencil.
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It's Bob Hall heading back to the mayor's office in Charlestown
The mayoral victory represented a near sweep for Republicans in Charlestown, as GOP candidates knocked off several Democrat incumbent councilmen.
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Jeffersonville voters bring back Galligan
“Winning is better than losing,” said Galligan, to his supporters after results were posted. “In the next four years, I hope to prove worthy of your support.”
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Few changes on Jeffersonville City Council
All of the Jeffersonville City Council members who had opposition Tuesday won re-election, meaning six of the board’s seven current members will return for four more years.
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He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race
Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.
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Democrats keep council control in New Albany
New Albany voters kept all five incumbent City Council members in office Tuesday and chose four newcomers to replace current members not on the ballot.
- Democrats sweep Georgetown races; Greenville board unchanged The Georgetown Town Board will have a new look beginning Jan. 1, while the Greenville Town Board remained intact following Tuesday’s election.
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Democrats keep control of Clarksville
Democrats hung on to control in Clarksville, as attempts by Republicans to gain a foothold on the Town Council failed during Tuesday’s election.
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Pierce pulls out win in hotly contested Jeffersonville judge’s race
Democrat attorney Ken Pierce defeated fellow attorney and incumbent judge Scott Lewis for the Jeffersonville City Court judicial bench in Tuesday’s election, taking nearly 57 percent of the vote.
- Lowe retains judge seat in Sellersburg Sellersburg Town Court Judge R. Thomas Lowe kept his seat in the general election Tuesday, but may have to justify a need for the position to a new Democrat Party-controlled Town Council.
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