Democrats take charge in Delphi
Demos win 3 of 4 in Camden; Progressive sweeps Burlington
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Strasser

It became apparent the Republican era ended for the City of Delphi as Tuesday night's election results were posted in the clerk's office in the Carroll County Courthouse. When the numbers were recorded on the chalkboard, the crowd began to do the math. Slowly everyone there realized Delphi not only would have a new mayor as of Jan.1, but the city council would be predominantly composed of Democrats instead of Republicans. Only two Republicans remain on the city council, and they ran unopposed for the seats.

"I'm excited," newly elected mayor Randy Strasser told the Comet. "I feel good and the election results follow statements I made during the campaign."

"This is about what's been going on in Delphi over the past few years," he added. "I just listened to the public and they must have listened to me."

Although she has served as clerk-treasurer under the Republican administration, Janice Roe was appointed to the position when the elected clerk-treasurer left office. Roe was elected to the post over challenger Linda Gretter by nearly 59 percent of the vote.

"I'm on cloud nine," she beamed at Democratic headquarters after the votes were counted. "I'm thankful it was a sweep. This is going to be a brand new future for Delphi."

Nelson Smith, who ran against incumbent John Hampton, had a slightly different view of the election process.

"John was the toughest opponent out there and his will be the toughest position to follow," he said.

When interviewed, Hampton said he was "really happy to run against someone I respected."

Justin Darling, the current Emergency Management Agency Director, is Strasser's pick for Delphi Chief of Police after Jan. 1. Darling said training, community involvement, which includes positive interaction with the school corporation, would be emphasized on his watch.

"I believe in prevention and there are lots of things we can prevent with pro-active policing," he said. "There will be community policing with officers walking the beat and meeting with business owners to address issues and concerns."

"Ordinance enforcement will be a top priority also," he added. "We need to develop a plan for the downtown parking situation and then work that plan."

The person who organized the Democrats and kept them focused to the end was the Democratic chair, Dick Roe.

"It's unbelievable," Roe said after the results were announced. "My pledge to this community is that we are going to make the residents proud. We promise this for the people."

"This is about 'we' - all of us," he concluded.

Delphi

Democrat Randy J. Strasser defeated the incumbent Republican mayor, Lee Hoard, by a margin of 434 votes (62%) to 264 (38%).

Democratic incumbent clerk, Janice K. Roe (D) defeated Republican Linda Gretter, 393 votes (57%) to 298 (43%).

City voters voted each district of the City Council separately and all contested races were won by Democrats.

In District 2, Danny D. Sterrett had 388 votes (57%) to 295 (43%) for William "Bill" Miller (R), the incumbent.

In District 3, Brian Garrison had 372 (55%) to 304 (45%) for Gayle Conner (R).

In District 4, Nelson B. Smith had 392 (57%) to 295 (43%) for incumbent John Hampton (R).

Unopposed were Republicans Kyle P. Germond, District 1, and incumbent Carolyn K. Pearson, council-at-large. Germond had 562 votes and Pearson 577 votes.

Republican incumbent David Weckerly was unopposed for city judge. He received 569 votes.

Of the 1,904 registered voters, only 715 (38%) cast ballots. Straight party ballots were 90 Republican and 64 Democratic. 

Burlington

The Progressive Party swept the election in Burlington.

Christy Shepherd defeated incumbent Tammy L. Dyer of the Conservative Party by a margin of 127 votes (53.14%) to 112 (46.86%).

Winning the three Town Council at-large positions were: Stan Moore with 173 votes (24.20%); Joe L. Armstrong, 147 (20.56%) and Teddy A. Huffer, 130 (18.18%). Conservative candidates Frederick "Fred" Michael received 110 votes (15.38%), incumbent Robert "Bob" Davis, 89 (12.45%), and Mark Keen, 66 (9.23%).

Progressive Party candidate John C. Adams was unopposed for town judge. He received 180 votes.

There are 432 registered voters in the Town of Burlington. Ballots cast totaled 246 (56.94%). Straight party ballots cast were 38 Progressive, 21 Conservative, five Democratic, and four Republican.

Camden

Democrats Pete Wagoner and Richard Fite and Republican Jeffery "Andy" Kelly won the three at-large positions on the Camden Town Council. Wagoner had the most votes with 180 (30.66%), while Fite had 91 (15.50%) and Kelly, 96 (16.35%).

Republicans Jeff Sieber and Everett Snoeberger garnered 76 (12.95%) and 75 (12.78%) votes and Democrat Ronald King, 69 (11.75%).

Patricia A. Casserly (D) was unopposed for town clerk-treasurer. She received 166 votes.

There are 447 registered voters in the Town of Camden. Two hundred four (45.64%) ballots were cast. Straight party ballots cast were six Republican and 23 Democratic.