Franklin Springs gets new election
A judge has thrown out the results of the Franklin Springs mayoral race and ordered a new election Dec. 29.
In response to a challenge filed by Lee Moore, who appeared to lose the November election to incumbent Mayor Brian James by one vote, Superior Court Judge T. Penn McWhorter ruled that one voter in Franklin Springs had not established residency in the city.
"Basically, we wanted to prove that illegal votes were cast, that we needed a runoff, and that's what we did," Moore said.
James called the ruling disappointing and unfair, but said he does not plan to appeal.
"The citizens of this town have been through the wringer," he said. "I just want it to be over at this point."
James said he will ask for the election date to be moved back, though, because many students, faculty and staff at Emmanuel College, a small private school inside the city limits that is the city's largest employer, will be out of town.
"No matter who you vote for, it's unfair" to hold the election over the holidays, he said.
James also cited legal fees as a reason not to appeal. Fights over who is eligible to vote have cost the city $4,100 so far, and James said he expects the court case and new election to tack another $7,000 or so onto the bill.
Moore said he would not fight the election results beyond Dec. 29.
"I contested the election for the cit
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