Last week could you tell that it’s getting down to wire for some of the political races as we approached the Run-off election? Among the offices up for election was the Clayton County Sheriff. The incumbent Victor Hill went up against former Clayton County Deputy Sheriff, Attorney Kem Kimbrough. In a recent debate with Sheriff Victor Hill, Kimbrough cited Hill’s numerous conflicts with other law enforcement agencies and local leaders. Basically Kimbrough raked Hill over the coals about his ego and personal agendas. I found the exchange to be pretty interesting considering recent events between the Sheriff and Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell. I think by calling out the Sheriff’s antics, Kimbrough put the pressure on Victor Hill to come up with a better defense than he has previously. Apparently voters didn't care for Hill’s “skirmishes” with local officials. County residents booted Hill out and Kem Kimbrough to face the republican challenger.
And speaking of egos, Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones battled for the democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat with Jim Martin. Over the years Jones has been at the center of controversies including illegal campaign contributions and an accusation of rape. Despite the controversies he’s managed to retain strong support from Dekalb citizens. In what may be a huge blow to the Jones for Senate campaign, civil rights icon Rev. Joseph Lowery Endorsed Jim Martin. Both candidates lobbied for the endorsement, however Jim Martin won out. In a press conference Rev. Lowery talked about Vernon Jones conservative views and support of President Bush. Jim Martin defeated Vernon Jones bid for the U.S. Senate seat by nearly 20%. They say change is good, and any change from the previous will be a much needed improvement.
Vernon Jones’ vacated office of Dekalb County CEO will go to Burrell Ellis. Ellis won yesterday’s run-off election by a landslide. At 50 years old, Ellis who served eight years as a County Commissioner will be the fourth Dekalb County CEO. Ellis beat his opponent state representative Stan Watson by a vote of 63% to 37%.
And finally, there will be a new Sheriff elected in November. The embattled Fulton County Sheriff Myron Freeman lost his re-election bid last night to Ted Jackson a former FBI agent. The Sheriff has been under fire his entire term regarding courthouse security, safety and staffing at the jail. A few weeks ago a federal judge threatened to hold him contempt of court because of the lack of improvement at the Fulton County Jail. All of that including the highly publicized trial of Brian Nichols has caused Fulton county voters to kick the sheriff to the curb and elect new leadership. Ted Jackson will face republican challenger Michael Rary.
And one quick note, the effort to recall Lithonia Mayor Joyce McKibben has until this Monday to collect 330 valid signatures. Last I heard they needed 35-40 more signatures on the petition. And if that wasn’t enough trouble for Mayor McKibben, it’s also being reported in the AJC, that The Mayor’s home is in foreclosure. I’ll keep an eye out for any more information regarding the recall.
Last week could you tell that it’s getting down to wire for some of the political races as we approached the Run-off election? Among the offices up for election was the Clayton County Sheriff. The incumbent Victor Hill went up against former Clayton County Deputy Sheriff, Attorney Kem Kimbrough. In a recent debate with Sheriff Victor Hill, Kimbrough cited Hill’s numerous conflicts with other law enforcement agencies and local leaders. Basically Kimbrough raked Hill over the coals about his ego and personal agendas. I found the exchange to be pretty interesting considering recent events between the Sheriff and 
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