Election attracts few voters

Summerville council member ousted; other incumbents win

SUMMERVILLE — With the issue of rapid development seemingly on every town resident's mind, a significant turnout was anticipated by many of the candidates in Tuesday's municipal election.

But a mere 10.8 percent voted, and just half that in at least one district. When the votes were counted, two of three incumbent council members and the one Commissioners of Public Works seat up for grabs remained in incumbents' hands.

The lone seat to change hands was that of Town Councilman Chris Sieber. District 4 voters gave Sieber about 30 percent, and challenger Bob Jackson, a development engineer at Bosch, more than 70 percent. Turnout was a factor in the outcome, Sieber said.

"We've got 5,100 voters in the district and only 4.5 percent showed up," Sieber said. "But that's how it turned out and there ain't nothing you can do about it."

Jackson credited his election to voters' desire for more control of growth. "They wanted a change. They have been coming to council meetings and nobody listened. They think I will listen, and I will," he said.

Jackson said that although a low percentage of the district's eligible voters went to the polls, the turnout was the best it's had. He said 128 voted four years ago versus 221 this election.

Sieber, who served two terms, said he's unsure whether he will ever run again. "I will have four years to think about it," he said.

In other council races, Mike Dawson, with 57 percent, held off challenger Mike Murphy; and Ricky Waring, with 55 percent, overcame a challenge by Diane Frankenberger.

George "Jordy" Tupper III, who was appointed to the CPW seat last year after his uncle died in office, won it outright by defeating two challengers. Tupper received 62 percent of the vote; James Reaves Jr. got 24 percent and Delphine Snipes took 13 percent.

Frankenberger said she has no regrets but is unlikely to run again.

Waring said the contest was "a good, clean race" that prompted a healthy debate over development and growth.

Mayor Berlin G. Myers, who ran unopposed, will begin a 37th year as chief executive of Summerville. Myers, who turned 90 on March 1, has been mayor since 1970.

Myers, who said he will continue to seek re-election as long as his health permits, got 1,807 votes.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at efennell@postandcourier.com or 937-5502.