One vote decides Decatur race, results in Newton not final

By By William F. West / community editor
Feb. 26, 2003
So who says one vote doesn't count?
In Decatur's Ward 1 alderman runoff on Tuesday, one vote was the difference that saw Max Anderson defeat Bobby Stevens. Anderson received 39 votes, while Stevens got 38.
In Newton's Ward 3 alderman runoff, also on Tuesday, the outcome now hinges on 14 affidavit ballots the city's Election Commission plans to open and count at 2 p.m. today.
The tally Tuesday night showed Eric McCalphia with 102 votes and Eva McDonald with 96. McCalphia couldn't be reached for comment, but McDonald said she is confident she will win.
McCalphia is a leather dye cutter for La-Z-Boy, while McDonald owns and operates a day care center. The winner will represent an area comprised mostly of Newton's west side.
McCalphia and McDonald made the Newton runoff last week after leading a field of four candidates. The winner will replace former Alderman Charles Love, who died Jan. 2.
In Decatur, Anderson and Stevens made the runoff after leading a three-man field last week. The winner will replace former Alderman Mike Miller who resigned after moving out of the city.
Anderson said he was pleased with his support and the turnout Tuesday. He'll now represent an area east of Highway 15.
Anderson, a dairy farmer, said he wants to work with the rest of the city's aldermen to help move Decatur forward.
Stevens, a contractor and dirt hauler, said he accepts the election outcome.