New face joins council, Palmer wins third term
The remaining members of the Russellville City Council have been decided after the Oct. 6 run-off election, and the city council has a new face to represent District 2.
Darren Woodruff won District 2 over incumbent William Nale by a vote of 238-193 in a runoff necessitated by a tie between the two contenders in the August election.
“I am humbled by the turnout and support from my district,” Woodruff said.
Nale and Woodruff received a similar turnout at the polls, with Nale leading 154-152, but absentee votes put Woodruff over the top with 86 votes to Nale’s 39.
“First, I want to thank the people of District Two for their support in this campaign,” Woodruff said. “Alone, it is difficult for one person to create change. Together, though, we can do amazing things.
“Regardless of where you stood in this campaign, today marks a new beginning,” he added. “I look forward to representing all the citizens of District Two as we work together the next four years – and I want to add a special thank you to my wife Margie, my family, friends and everyone who helped with this campaign. I will always appreciate your support.”
In District 1, incumbent David Palmer will begin his third term after defeating Aaron Harbin 319-295 in the run-off election.
Palmer secured a position in the run-off election by garnering 213 votes to Harbin’s 216 votes and Terry Bolton’s 82 votes.
Palmer said he cannot put into words how amazing it is to be selected to represent District 1 for a third term. “It is an absolutely humbling experience for me every time I run,” Palmer said. “I am thankful for everyone who comes out to support.”
Palmer said he would also like to give a special thanks to everyone in his campaign who went above and beyond to help him.
This run-off election was reviewed by Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill after it was brought to his attention that several members in Russellville were concerned about the election process.
After discussing with local leaders, Merrill decided to dispatch election observers from his office for the run-off election.
Workers from his office overviewed on-site voting actions, reviewed the absentee ballot application process and oversaw the process of counting absentee ballots.
