LEBANON -- The people spoke Tuesday: they want Mary-Ann Cole off City Council and John McComb to take her place.
In Lebanon's first recall election in its 196-year history, the unofficial results showed 1,204 people voted to recall Councilwoman Cole, and 857 people voted against the recall. Of those voting to recall Mrs. Cole, 1,137 supported Mr. McComb, a businessman and former councilman, to replace her.
Mr. McComb will probably be sworn into office at council's June 9 meeting.
"It's a great day for Lebanon," said recall supporter John Gambill Jr. "People have said they want individual representation on council. They want telecommunications and they want (City Manager) Richard Hayward."
For Lebanon resident Robert Downie, the recall election was about democracy in action. "It's basically the citizens taking back the city," he said.
But Mrs. Cole said: "The whole city lost today. Our right to vote was just rescinded."
Tuesday's election capped a six-month power struggle among council members. The battles began in November when voters elected Mark Flick to replace Deana Bayes and shifted council's balance of power.
Former Mayor Jackson Hedges, Gil Jarrard and Amy Brewer became the minority members, while Mayor James Mills, Michael Coyan, Mrs. Cole and Mr. Flick were considered the majority. The four generally agreed on the major issues: They questioned Mr. Hayward's job performance and the economic feasibility of a $5 million telecommunications project.
A group of residents, angered by the four-person voting bloc, formed People for a Brighter Future and successfully petitioned for the recall. As the election neared, tempers flared and campaign expense budgets ballooned.
Voter turnout was relatively high for a special election, with 28 percent, or 2,082, of Lebanon's 7,526 registered voters casting ballots Tuesday. That compares to 26 percent voter turnout throughout the county in May's primary election and 43 percent in November's general election.
The significant voter interest could be attributed to the highly controversial nature of the recall election.
Present and former council members have taken out campaign advertisements in support and opposition to the recall. Hundreds of green or red campaign signs have plastered roads and yards. At each of the last four meetings, more than 100 residents have packed council chambers, many of whom have taken to the lectern to criticize members for the bickering and dissension.
As of May 14, Mrs. Cole had collected $7,380 and People for a Brighter Future had collected $4,270 -- which combined totaled $6,800 more than the total contributions for the five Lebanon council candidates in November's race.
The voting will cost the city -- and thus, taxpayers -- about $6,000 to $10,000. The city is required by law to pay the expenses incurred by the Board of Election to hold a special election.
The recall's success means Lebanon residents can expect to see work resume on the telecommunications project. While an ordinance was introduced Tuesday to wait and place the issue on the November ballot, that likely won't have enough support to pass when it comes to a vote at the June 9 council meeting.
Mrs. Cole had said she planned to support the ballot measure, along with fellow council members Mr. Mills, Mr. Coyan and Mr. Flick. However, Mr. McComb has said he supports moving ahead because the project could save city residents up to $600,000 on their cable bills annually.
The election also translates into more job security for Mr. Hayward. A motion to fire him -- slated for a vote June 9 -- likely will fail by a 4-3 split, the same as the telecommunications project. Mr. McComb, who was part of the council 10 years ago that hired Mr. Hayward, said he believes the city manager is doing a fine job and he'll continue to support him until evidence is presented otherwise. Both supporters and opponents of the recall have said the cost of the infighting and special election simply can't be measured only in dollars.
"When it's all said and done," Mr. Gambill said, "Some healing's going to have to start."
David Eck contributed to this report.
