Welcome to Independent Tribune Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

independenttribune.com - Independent Tribune

HomeNewsEntertainmentSportsLifestylesOpinionCommunityWeather Online Tools Jobs | Real Estate | Shopping | Classified

Kitts elected Midland mayor

By Jessica Groover | Independent Tribune

Published: November 4, 2009

MIDLAND — Kathy Kitts was elected mayor of Midland on Tuesday, with more than 75 percent of the 306 votes cast for the seat. Kitts received 240 votes.

Don McSheehan and Richard P. Wise were elected to the two town council seats, both receiving more than 100 of the 504 total votes.

After finding out she was elected mayor, Kitts said she was thrilled and ready to get started.
"I plan on going to the mayor training in Raleigh on Nov. 30, and getting ready to move," Kitts said.

She said she is looking forward to the town council sitting down and setting the goals and objectives for next year.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kitts spoke of the need for economic development and sewer capacity for the town.

"Our 10-year anniversary will be next year, and we need to celebrate and figure out what we want to do in the next 10 years," Kitts said.

Kitts was a clear favorite among early afternoon voters at Bethel Elementary School.

"I feel like she's got the community's best interest at heart, always — not just during her campaign," said Midland resident Heather Allen.

Sarah Little, of Midland and the treasurer for the campaign, said Kitts' four years on the town council proved she was a good bet for Midland.

Little mentioned Kitts' creation of the town newsletter and work on Midland's Web site, two items that Kitts said were highlights of her time as a council member, as well as working on the strategic plan.

"She works to engage the community in the government process," Little said. "She's worked a lot to improve communication."

Communication is something that is important to newly elected council member Wise, who received 181 votes.

"I'd really like to establish the trust between people and the town council," Wise said. "Everybody in this town has different issues. I'm here for the people."

After finding out how many votes he received, Wise said he was amazed.

"I got more votes than I expected," Wise said. "I'm happy. I worked hard for it."

Another happy candidate was McSheehan, who received 130 votes and was also elected to the town council.

"It's nice to know that people have faith in my direction," McSheehan said. "It's going to be a good thing."

He said incorporating the business community will be at the top of his agenda.

Of the other candidates who ran for the town council, Kee Hunter received 79 votes, while Luke Bailey Jr. received 63.

Kitts' opponent in the race for mayor, Robert Michael Webb, received 53 votes. Webb said he was appreciative of the support received and said it was a good election.

"I hope (Kitts) will live up to what she promised," Webb said. "I believe she has too much on her agenda, but I hope the best for her."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story did not include early voting returns. The vote totals have been updated to reflect early voting totals.