Jacke Johnston Defeats Incumbent Century Councilman Hawkins

November 10, 2010

Political newcomer Jacke Johnston defeated incumbent Henry Hawkins  for Century Town Council Seat 3 in Tuesday’s runoff election.

http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/election223.jpgComplete but unofficial election returns show Johnston received 174 votes (55%) to Hawkins 144 votes (45%).

“I am really exited,” Johnston said Tuesday night. “I can’t wait to get in there in January and work toward getting Century back on track.”

Johnston will be one of two new members on the Century Town Council come January.

Sandra McMurray Jackson was elected to Seat 5 on the council currently held by Sharon Scott, who did not seek re-election, during the October general election. Jackson is the owner of Jackson-McMurray Funeral Services in Century. She defeated retired insurance agent Annie Carter Savage by just eight votes — 164 to 156. The narrow margin, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford, was not great enough to trigger an automatic recount.

Hawkins and  Johnston were forced into a runoff for the council’s Seat 3 after neither received a majority of the votes during the October general election.

Hawkins, a retired Air Force staff sergeant and GED instructor for Pensacola Junior College, received 44.55 percent of the October vote — shy of the 50 percent needed for a win. Johnston, a teacher at Byrneville Elementary School, received 32.71 percent of the vote in October, while Robert Lasher, an Edward D. Jones financial adviser, finished third with 22.74 percent.

Gary Riley, who is retired from Gulf Power, ran unopposed and was re-elected to Seat 4.

Tuesday night, Johnston thanked her volunteers and supporters for her win. “I am really thankful for the help of all those that supported me,”  the 10-year Century resident said.

Comments

30 Responses to “Jacke Johnston Defeats Incumbent Century Councilman Hawkins”

  1. From century on November 13th, 2010 5:52 pm

    We were for you Hawkins

  2. CenturyGirl on November 12th, 2010 2:05 pm

    Way to go Jacke. I know you will do a great job.

  3. Samantha Merchant on November 12th, 2010 11:13 am

    Congrats!!! Mrs. J..

  4. opinion on November 11th, 2010 12:50 pm

    dsims, I guess I don’t know him as well as you say you do. We all from time to time have colors that don’t always shine bright……thank you for your comment.

  5. vivian on November 10th, 2010 10:11 pm

    I am so glad u did it! faith is the key in life , and although ur family situations were a challenge, and wit ur hubby, u still stood in faith and im proud of u, i have no respect of person, but im still praying 4 u and ur husband and kidz, We all love u dearly and appreciate u very much, thanks 4 being a great inspiration in my childrens and my life. thankxx 4 ur support during my wedding, it meant a lot 2 us. talk 2 u soon, love u guyz immensely. be blessed.

  6. dsims on November 10th, 2010 9:15 pm

    To Opinion:

    Apparrently, you have only met Henry Hawkins and didn’t really get to know him like I did, or you would certainly know that he is not the person you think he is. The first time he ran for a seat on the town council I felt the same way you did about him, but it didn’t take me long to learn his true colors. For him to lose this election is one of the best things that could happen for Century. Congratulations on your win, Jacke. I am sure you will do a great job.

  7. momto5armybrats on November 10th, 2010 7:52 pm

    I whole hardly agree with you on that (opinion). I can only speak for my mother, but I can say that when she cast her vote she thought of the citizens, regardless of what anyone else thought. She knew all there was to know when it came to the table to make an informed decision. I just hope that the council continues to vote to better the town Century as a whole. Working together is the only way to get it done! God belss to all!

  8. opinion on November 10th, 2010 7:06 pm

    It doesn’t matter who wins there are going to be those that don’t agree. I believe that if you don’t do the job or don’t win the public eye that you will be voted out, and that is the right of the voter wheather it be for good or for bad. We all need to stand together for the betterment of Century.

  9. momto5armybrats on November 10th, 2010 4:36 pm

    sorry I was addressingJim Powell and concerned not opinion.

  10. momto5armybrats on November 10th, 2010 4:31 pm

    To Jim Powell and Opinion

    Oh, so the elderly who can’t get out due to health reasons are less deserving. Their vote shouldn’t count? Their are a lot of elderly people who still vote. What about us military? Our votes shouldn’t count either. Their are more of us than you realize too. Seems like the same old crap every election. If your man, or woman, doesn’t win you are quick to cry fowl. Bought votes and idiotic absurdities come flying. My mother lost to Hawkins in one election and not once did she cry fowl, and she only lost by 17 votes. She even shook his hand and congratulated him. How many others would have done the same. Suck it up and move on. The people have spoken, except it go on and try to do good.

  11. opinion on November 10th, 2010 4:03 pm

    I HAVE MET Henry Hawkins and he is a very good man and one that stands up for what he believes is right. Century is the loser on this one.

  12. jim powell on November 10th, 2010 3:48 pm

    108 vote out of 316 were absentees. something smells here.

  13. concerned on November 10th, 2010 3:08 pm

    Another election won by absentees. This isn’t any surprise, this is the way all elections in Century are won

  14. Beegee on November 10th, 2010 2:21 pm

    Oh by the way,your former students were very excited and happy for you when I told them!!!!

  15. Beegee on November 10th, 2010 2:20 pm

    Congratulations JJ….. I wish you the very best!!! I know you will do an outstanding job!!!!!
    Beegee :-)

  16. Alex on November 10th, 2010 1:50 pm

    Well, I hope she is there to help the town and there employees etc.. People need to realize why they are on the council also instead of going alone with everyone else. They are entitled to their own opinion just like Henry Hawkins was. I don’t understand some people, He has his reasons for voting no. And to “Oversight” do you live in Century? I’m just trying to make a point. Everybody doesn’t have to be a “yes” man/woman.

  17. Oversight on November 10th, 2010 1:01 pm

    Alex posted: “Why is everyone so negative about Hawkins?”

    Either you’re not from around here or you don’t follow the town council’s follies.

  18. Alex on November 10th, 2010 12:14 pm

    Why is everyone so negative about Hawkins?

  19. Oversight on November 10th, 2010 11:37 am

    I wonder if Hawkins called to congratulate Johnston. Probably not considering his negative attitude.

  20. Lisa Jones on November 10th, 2010 10:42 am

    “CONGRATULATIONS” Jacke Century is lucky to have you!!! You are a wonderful person, friend and teacher…. I know that the people of Century will love you as much as your Kids and Parents do.. Way to go!!!

  21. momto5armybrats on November 10th, 2010 8:16 am

    Way to go Jacke!!!! My mom (Nadine) is so happy, as am I. I know you will help bring a positive change.
    To Jim Powell, voting no to grant money that is free for our town, and voting no to capital trust which is free money for our town is just ludicrous. This town needs people to vote yes for improving and moving forward, but some I assume (Like Mr Powell) would rather stay stagnant. This towns deserves better and so do the people in it. I wish all the new council members the best and hope they work together to better the town of Century. I can only assume Mr. Powell lives in Century since he has such a keen idea of how people vote. Mr. Powell please reply and tell me how many meetings you have actually attended. I’m curious….

    Well, Congrats again to Jacke! Hope this means bigger and brighter things!!!!

  22. Michelle Hinote on November 10th, 2010 8:06 am

    Congratulations Jacke!!! I know that you will do a fantastic job, you always put forth 100% effort no matter what you are doing. Century is blessed to have you!!!

  23. Kevin on November 10th, 2010 7:34 am

    amen to what ant said.

  24. ant on November 10th, 2010 5:52 am

    I don’t know one thing about Ms. Johnston. Never met her.
    couldn’t pick her out of a lineup. But I will guarentee one thing. CENTURY IS WAAAAAAAAY BETTER OFF.

  25. Willene Bryan on November 9th, 2010 9:31 pm

    Congratulations Jacke

  26. Cufr Family on November 9th, 2010 9:02 pm

    Congrats Jacke!!! We knew you could do it!!

  27. jim powell on November 9th, 2010 8:28 pm

    Wow another yes vote for Freddie

  28. jessica on November 9th, 2010 8:17 pm

    congrats to my sister jacke!!!!!!!!!! way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bree said congrats also!!!!!!!!!!

  29. Angi on November 9th, 2010 8:15 pm

    Congrats Jacke, I think you will do wonderful in there…

  30. angela on November 9th, 2010 8:12 pm

    Good deal!!! I really wish annie savage would have gotten in too. I have met her on several occations, and she is one sweet lady! Glad Jacke got in over Hawkins.