Election winners say it's a new era in Varnell

VARNELL, Ga. -- The re-elected mayor and new council members say they're putting the drama of the election behind them and moving forward.

"This hasn't been exactly the nicest election process for the city, so I'm hoping, now that it's over with, we can put the sense of community back together ... and get down to the business of running Varnell," said City Councilman Brent Newsome.

Mr. Newsome defeated Harveyleen Rollins for Council Seat 2 in Tuesday's election. Incumbent Susan Hamlin did not run for re-election.

James Caldwell beat incumbent Carlus Mosier and Laura Hammontree for the Council Seat 1 and incumbent Mayor Dan Peeples defeated Bill Morgan.

Before the election, Mr. Mosier accused Mr. Peeples and other council members of exercising a "personal vendetta" for shutting down a "spook house" he was operating for charity.

City officials said Mr. Mosier didn't have a business license and was operating in an area not zoned for business.

Afterward, two of Mr. Mosier's daughters complained to the State Ethics Commission that Mr. Newsome, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Peeples failed to properly register campaign committees. The original complaint was rejected and the two independent campaign committees subsequently registered with the state.

"I think those were petty things that my opposition tried to throw out," said Mr. Peeples. "It really made me feel good that the citizens are behind me."

Mr. Mosier said he may run again for City Council in about four years.

"If I'd of won, I would have worked with the city as usual, but, like I say, they wanted me off the council, so they got what they wanted," he said.

Mr. Mosier plans to fight citations from the "spook house" in court and said that his daughters have refiled their ethics complaint.

Mr. Morgan said he didn't take sides but believes city officials could have handled the situation with Mr. Mosier differently.

"As a rule, people don't like a lot of turmoil and animosity in the election," he said.

Mrs. Rollins said she's not planning to run again, but hopes "the ones that (did) win will work together and do good for the city."

Laura Hammontree was not available for comment.

Mr. Newsome said the controversy may be why voter turnout was unusually high, at about 330 residents. He said voters embraced their "promise of moving Varnell forward and having a new vision."

Mr. Caldwell said his early goals include long-term planning, annexing more residents and looking at ways to entice businesses.

Mr. Newsome said he'll focus first on bringing sewers to a section of Georgia Highway 71.

New council members will take office early in January. Mr. Caldwell saidd he hopes to see many residents at meetings and involved with the city.

"There is definitely a new political energy in Varnell," he said.