Candidates reflect ... and a new board looks forward

It's a new day in Mooresville.

The town will have a new board of commissioners - and a new mayor - on Dec. 5 after deciding to keep Thurman Houston as commissioner of Ward 2 but to replace Ward 1 Commissioner Mitch Abraham with political newcomer and local businessman Eddie Dingler.

Voters also elected Miles Atkins as mayor, and they chose Bobby Compton to fill Atkins' empty at-large commissioner seat.  

The Ward 1 race was so close - only six votes separated the two candidates - that a recount was requested. But after the Iredell County Board of Elections' recount, Eddie Dingler stands as the Town of Mooresville's new Ward 1 commissioner, squeezing out 8-year Incumbent Mitch Abraham.

The votes remained the same – Dingler's 462 to Abraham's 456 – after the recount, said Becky Galliher, director of the county's board of elections.

Abraham said he is disappointed that he will not be serving another term. “I had eight great years, and I'd like to think that Mooresville did too,” he said Thursday. “I wanted four more, but it didn't work out.”

Abraham said he plans on staying involved, especially with transportation issues. “I really enjoy serving Mooresville.”

The two-term commissioner said he knew the race would be close. But he hoped his experience would help him secure another term. He said he also knew that getting people out to vote would be crucial. “I answered questions, attended forums and told people how critical it was to get out and vote,” he said.

He said he was looking forward to possibly serving with Atkins as mayor, and he was also excited about the potential of working with Bobby Compton as an at-large commissioner since Compton will look at things through the eyes of a former town employee.

But while Atkins and Compton both made it in, Abraham will end his time as commissioner when Dingler is sworn in Dec. 5.

Dingler said he “can't believe” how close the race ended up being between he and Abraham. “I would like to thank all the voters not just the ones who voted for me,” Dingler said. “It was great to see all the interest this time. I can't wait to get started.”

He said he looks forward to “putting a business perspective on the board” and he wants to be “a commissioner that people can get a hold of.” Also, Dingler said, “I want to be in touch [with] all the citizens of Mooresville.

“Again, thanks for all the votes and all the support from everybody.”

Bobby Compton came out on top of the at-large commissioner race with 1,465 votes. Opposing candidate Skip Alexander collected 1,337 votes.

Said Compton: “Skip Alexander was a very worthy contender and opponent. I learned from Skip how preparedness can and will pay off. If I could change this to Co-Commissioners, it would be Skip and me.

“I am very fortunate to have survived from a field of seven candidates for Commissioner-At-Large,” Compton said. “Returning to local government, reuniting with the town is what I have wanted to do. Now, I have the opportunity.”

Alexander, in congratulating Compton, said “it would be hard to imagine a more cordial and cooperative relationship between opponents than Bobby and I experienced.”

“While he and I offered different sets of qualifications and experiences, I am confident that Bobby will serve Mooresville’s residents with concern and effectiveness.

“My concern and affection for Mooresville are no different today than they were the day before Tuesday’s election,” Alexander said. “Despite choosing to invest considerable family funds and efforts into the Commissioner’s campaign, it is no secret that I diverted much time and effort into a process of informing Mooresville’s voters about issues involving a candidate in another race. This was the only time in my 62 years I ever felt compelled to research and disclose information that questioned a candidate’s fitness. The outcome of Tuesday’s election gives me assurance that these efforts were not wasted.

"Just this week," continued Alexander, "I have interacted with families dealing with cancer, children serving in distant military assignments, and people dealing with financial strains. Today is Veterans Day. These matters readily place into perspective the matter of 'losing' a mere election. I am blessed beyond measure, and content with where I am.

"To my friends, family, volunteers who helped, and voters who cared enough to get involved, THANK YOU!" Alexander said. (To read a complete copy of Alexander's post-election reflections, click on the document below:)

The other race that Alexander spent much of his time and effort on was the mayor's race, which which was the highest-profile election this season. In that race, Miles Atkins edged out political newcomer Jared Esselman, 1,563 votes to 1,292.

“I am excited and humbled to be elected the next Mayor of Mooresville,” said Atkins. “I look forward to working with the citizens, fellow elected officials, businesses and city leaders as we continue to make Mooresville the ideal place for families and businesses.

“Jared ran a strong and spirited campaign that generated interest in the mayoral election,” Atkins said. “His campaign created a robust election cycle in Mooresville and inspired me to work even harder to get my message out.”

Atkins said he believes his experience and leadership over the past four years is what gave him the ultimate edge. Additionally, he believes “grassroots campaigning” probably helped: “I personally knocked on more than 2,000 doors leading up to Election Day and had great conversations with many Mooresville residents,” he said. “I also had a strong team of volunteers, supporters and donors.

“I am very grateful for all the support and am committed to putting Mooresville first,” Atkins said.

Esselman did not respond to a Report e-mail asking for comment.

Thurman Houston held onto his Ward 2 Commissioner seat collecting 344 votes to challenger Billy Hendrix's 292.

Houston said he realizes “there is work for me ahead to try and bridge the gap in Ward 2.” He said he is thankful for the support and prayers of everyone who voted for him. “I will continually work for the citizens of Mooresville through your voices and vision” for the town, he said.

Hendrix congratulated Tuesday's winners in a comment on the Report, adding, “I'm a little disappointed I'm not one of them.”

“Thank you to anyone that supported me, and to those willing to express your concerns,” he said. “It was all very much appreciated.”