THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 8, 1995 TAG: 9507080420
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: By MASON PETERS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Filing began Friday in the complicated election procedures that will select mayors and council members in Northeastern North Carolina municipalities this year.
For county election officials there will be nagging concerns that they are following the correct protocol for the particular voting rules in their towns and cities.
On the mainland, the municipal balloting will be held in Edenton, Elizabeth City, Hertford, Winfall and Gatesville.
``There are four different kinds of city elections in North Carolina and each has a specific set of dates and rules,'' said Ann Byerly, an expert on such matters at the State Board of Elections in Raleigh.
The four:
Partisan, with a primary. Democrats and Republicans have a chance to slug opponents twice. Primary, Sept. 26; second primary - if needed - Oct. 17; regular election, Nov. 7.
Nonpartisan, with a primary. Primary, Oct. 10; election, Nov. 7.
Partisan, with a runoff. Fifty percent of the votes plus one wins, or a runoff is called. If needed, runoff election is Oct. 10, regular, election Nov. 7.
Nonpartisan, plurality. Top candidates win in Oct. 10 election.
For most of the communities, filing will end Aug. 4.
Only in Edenton and Elizabeth City are the elections expected to attract widespread interest. Both towns have mayors who could be opposed and traditions of hometown political zeal.
Edenton - Roy Harrell, a colorful and controversial mayor, must defend his seat. On the town council, James Alligood, Don Latham and Marina Crummey are expected to seek re-election. Election is Nov. 7.
Elizabeth City - Mayor Henry R. ``Rick'' Gardner will try to keep his seat. Four council seats will be available, including those of David Bosomworth, H.R. ``Pete'' Hooker, Myrtle Rivers and Jimi Sutton. Voting is Oct. 10.
Hertford - Mayor John Beers will try to hold his seat. On the council, the terms of Larry Chappell and Billy Winslow will expire. Election is Nov. 7.
Winfall - Mayor Fred Yates will run again, as well as council members Bert Hayes and Jake Chesson. Election is Nov. 7.
Gatesville - Elton L. Winslow is expected to seek re-election as mayor. So are council members C. H. Carter III and Wade Hobbs. Election is Nov. 7.
``Our elections are usually pretty routine,'' said Frances Mitchell, supervisor of the Gates County Election Board. ``Mayor Winslow has been in office so long that a lot of folks are surprised when he runs for re-election.''
In Edenton, Rebecca Lowe, an election supervisor, is preparing to supervise in new offices across the street from her former tiny cubbyhole in the Old Edenton Courthouse. Pre-Revolutionary court officials once occupied her former space in the historic old court building. by CNB