MISSISSIPPI COUNTY CHOOSES COMMISSIONERS, SAYS NO TO TAX

CHARLESTON -- Mississippi County voters decided a number of races in primary elections Tuesday,

Seventy-five percent of Charleston voters said no to a 1.5 percent local-use sales tax that would have applied only to purchases made by catalogue and interstate sales. The issue, which would have ensured outside vendors had no unfair advantage over local merchants, was defeated by a 863 to 278 vote.

Thirty-three percent of registered voters in the county participated in the elections. In most of the races, there were no Republican challengers, so the primary winners will be elected to office during general elections Nov. 7.

Voters re-elected Democratic incumbent Homer D. Oliver as the First District County Commissioner from a field of five candidates with 34.81 percent of all votes. There are no Republican candidates for the position. Oliver received 680 votes in the election over G. Clay Shelby, who received 495 votes Steve Ledbetter, 432 votes; John D. Goodin, 239 votes; and Tom Green, 107 votes.

In the Second District County Commissioner race, incumbent Martin Lucas was re-elected with 668 votes from a field of four Democratic candidates. There are no Republican candidates for the position. Also receiving votes in the election were Ricky Penrod, 465 votes, Danny Smithson, 408 votes; and Harold Lemons, 123 votes.

Four candidates sought the position of county assessor. Democrat W.R. "Bill" Thompson captured 42.58 percent, or 1,543 votes, over challengers Rebecca Boyd Presson and Oliver B. French, who received 1,259 and 821 votes, respectively. Thompson will face Republican Deanna Carlisle in November elections.

Incumbent Buddy Marshall retained his position as public administrator with 2,303 votes, about 65 percent. Challenger Pam W. Crawford received 1,239 votes in the contest.

John McMikle will replace Ricky Penrod, who did not seek re-election, as county coroner. McMikle beat challenger Lonnie Thurmond in a 2,038 to 1,465 decision.

Sheriff Larry Taylor, the only candidate for his position, was re-elected with 2,804 votes.

In other uncontested elections, Paula Cunningham was elected Long Prairie Tywappity committeewoman; Alvin L. Cope was elected Long Prairie Tywappity committeeman; Patricia Stallings was elected Tywappity committeewoman; John C. "J.C." Stallings II was elected Tywappity committeeman; Opal Williams was elected Ohio Tywappity committeewoman; and Donald F. Williams was elected Ohio Tywappity committeeman.