Winds Of Change

As a result of run-off election, Corser ousts Croom for Mayor spot in City of Morgan run-off election with 72 percent of the vote

There were rumblings among Morgan citizens about the way their mayor and city council ran the city, and a record number of candidates signed up to be considered for open seats. In the small town, many family and friend alliances can be seen with city employees and city council members. Citizens saw conflicts of interest and clearly voted for change June 13.

With three-year terms for mayor and aldermen in the City of Morgan, the primary election on May 2 required a 50-percent majority of any candidate. The mayor’s position and alderman place 3 seat both required run-off elections, which took place on Saturday.

Initially five candidates signed up to be considered for the position of mayor. Incumbent Jonathan W. Croom II and challenger William Corser received the most votes in May, but neither achieved over 50 percent of the votes, making a run-off election necessary. While Croom was well liked as mayor, citizens called for different leadership.

On Saturday, voters confirmed Corser as their choice for mayor, receiving 43 of the 60 votes – 72 percent. Corser received 32 votes in May, while Croom received 24.

While Corser has no experience in city government, he is a former sheriff’s deputy and former Morgan police officer. Corser is currently employed at the Commanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant.

For the alderman position, Keith Vandiver received 40 votes, over Rosemary Johns’ 20. They both have years of city council experience.

Only Erica Carrillo received over 50 percent of the votes in May, securing her a spot as alderman, position 1. A first-time council member, Carrillo joins Joanne Rodriguez in place 2, Mary Johns in place 4 and Carolyn Vandiver in place 5.

Votes will be canvassed on June 17 during the city council meeting. The three provisional votes – cast by people not on the election roll – are being assessed by the Bosque County elections administrator Ashley Rupp. Any changes in the records will likely not change the election outcome.

With the expected low turnout, and in order to save the city about $3,000, the run-off election was run by the City of Morgan, not the county elections office. Without more taxing entities carrying the county’s costs to run the election, a single election like this one would cost the city $5,000.

Morgan city secretary Marie Garland drew on past experience running an election, and with the county voters roll, she sent out the 200 election notices by mail. Voters used paper ballots that were hand counted by the election judges. Thirty-three of the 60 votes were cast in early voting.

In more evidence of change, Garland replaced Maricella Aviles as city secretary, and Steve Lira replaced Jimmy Johns as city maintenance employee, both in March.

Photos by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS