Burchett, Owensby, Pattman and Seabolt win in Commerce election

Keith Burchett won the election for mayor pro tem, beating Sammy Thomason 396-349.

Burchett, Owensby, Pattman and Seabolt win in Commerce election

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Tuesday, November 3. 2009

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Keith Burchett will be sworn in on Jan. 11 as Commerce’s mayor pro tem.

Burchett beat former Jackson County Commissioner Sammy Thomason 396-349 in Tuesday’s municipal election, carrying every ward but Thomason’s Ward 4.

“I’m glad it’s over with,” Burchett confessed Tuesday when the tally was completed. “I look forward to trying to move Commerce in a positive direction. I’d like to thank everybody for their hard work and support.”

The biggest surprise was Darren Owensby’s 94-92 victory over longtime councilman Donald Wilson in Ward 2.

Archie Chaney ran unopposed for the Ward 1 city council seat.

In the school board races, incumbents Arthur Lee Pattman and Mary Seabolt turned back challengers in District 1 and 2 respectively.

Pattman beat Cashanna Rucker 60-45, while Seabolt trounced Robby Barnett 142-36.

Some 755 voters participated — a turnout rate of 26.9 percent.

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#1 B,Wilbanks on 11/04/09 at 12:35 AM [Reply]

Good to see quality people elected to carry our city forward.We need go schooling ,good paying jobs not bars

#1.1 JODI on 11/04/09 at 01:27 PM [Reply]

AT LEAST SINCE WE HAVE HAD A "BAR" THERES SOME LIFE DOWNTOWN. WHERE'S THE GOOD SCHOOL AND GOOD JOBS BEEN SINCE SEABOLT BEEN THERE FOR HOW LONG?
II'M GLAD SOME NEW BLOOD HAS BEEN ADDED TO OTHER AREAS MAYBE NEXT TIME THERE WILL BE SOME NEW BLOOD W/ FRESH UP TO DATE IDEAS IN THIS SPOT NEXT TIME. THIS TOWN HAS BEEN STAGNANT FOR TOO LONG. IT'S TIME FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO TAKE THE REIGNS.

#1.1.1 Parents for Education on 11/08/09 at 09:01 AM [Reply]

It does not matter how long someone has been in a position but the quality of service that they bring to our community. Seabolt has been a part of the advancement of this school district with rising test scores, an improved college track record for Commerce graduates and take a look at the new school being erected not to mention recently being honored by the school superintendent Kathy Cox for achievement and improvement in reading test scores in the 6th grade. It is these types of awards that our current school board has worked hard to ensure our kids are able to achieve by hiring the best teachers in our area. Together these members of the school board and our great teachers work hard everyday to bring quality education to Commerce.
She ran for the right reasons and believes in EDUCATION FIRST. The "younger generation" could learn a lot from this lady and her beliefs and it can start with you! The votes have been counted and it seems that the rest of district two has spoken for our kids and the future leaders of this great nation.

#1.1.1.1 Delano Finch on 11/11/09 at 12:00 PM [Reply]

"Seabolt has been a part of the advancement of this school district with rising test scores, an improved college track record for Commerce graduates and take a look at the new school being erected "

I personally do not have a problem with Ms.Seabolt; I think she is a fine lady. But to say that the younger generation could learn something from her and people who've been in a position as long as she has is a bit of a stretch. The changes that you've mentioned in the selection above took place when one distinct event occured: A new superintendent. The new high school, more classes offered, AP classes added, etc. And guess what happened in this small town when these changes first began? Dr.McCoy was fought tooth and nail because "advancement" is not exactly first priority around here. You see, here, priority is placed more on something like...tradition. I also think that your "name" on this display is a bit misleading. "Parents for education" leads one to believe that you think voting for incumbents like Mary Seabolt will continue the academic excellence that this board has instilled in the system. However, this board (and previous members) have NEVER prioritized academia first, and that finally became obvious prior to this last election. What were the biggest concerns thrown around about the new high school? As I recall, they were about the practice field, where the teams would play, which gym would be used for what, how would this affect basketball season, will the football team be put out by this, etc. They were not academic questions. When baseball season came to a close (a pretty illustrious close to give them credit), the question of whether or not they could have the same fair amount of practice time as the football team gets had to go before this board of education. Really? This is top priority? It sounds like a pretty simple issue to me. Not to mention that the board said the issue would be looked into, and to my knowledge, nothing has changed. When you have a board, not just one member, who will stand by and see that things remain the same as they've always been; try to keep good ole Commerce High School the way the 50somethings remember it, that's a big problem. That's a systemic problem. That's why the younger generation needs the reigns. New ideas, more inclusive ideas, broader and more fair ideas, and ideas that come from a perspective that hasn't simply carried over through decades of small town mechanisms come from a new, "younger generation." Contrary to your opinion, wisdom does not come from years. Einstein said "“You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew.” This town could learn something by adopting that quote as its' motto.

#1.1.1.1.1 Parents for Education on 11/11/09 at 07:21 PM [Reply]

First, who do you think hires the superintendent? That would be the board that currently presides. So to say that the board was not part of this great success we are having would be incorrect.
“However, this board (and previous members) have NEVER prioritized academia first, and that finally became obvious prior to this last election.” How many board meetings have you actually attended? The issues about the new school etc. were raised by parents and that is why the board jumped through hoopes to make sure that they could satisfy everyone they could while not jeopardizing the building of a new school for ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT. While your concerns seem to be for the academics of this school district you can now rest assured that the board that presides for Commerce is one that will continue to push and strive to achieve these same concerns. Seabolt’s opposition was running soley for athletics and is was known throughout the community. While athletics are a great part of a childs young years we need to look at the statistics as to how many Commerce graduates achieve great success in life through sports and how many go on to become Doctors, Lawyers and even Public Servants. To hint that Seabolt was part of a board that looked only into athletics only shows how much our community really does not know or understand what these people serve for and what they are striving to do for my kids and the rest of the community.

#1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 11/12/09 at 09:50 AM [Reply]

You could probably count "how many Commerce graduates achieve great success in life through sports" on one hand. I can't think of any who have gone professional in sports, and I can only think of a few who have even played at the next level.

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Only One on 11/12/09 at 01:24 PM [Reply]

You're mostly right. More went to prison than became successful in pro ball.. or even college.

Terry Allen - pro
Runt Moon - prison

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Mark Beardsley on 11/12/09 at 01:31 PM [Reply]

Terry Allen graduated from Banks County High School, not Commerce.

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 ex tiger on 11/12/09 at 02:03 PM [Reply]

Thanks, but that's not good. Prison is in the lead.

#1.1.1.2 Ex Tiger on 11/12/09 at 08:58 AM [Reply]

Are you telling me that football players are no longer given grades like in the 70s? That coaches don't run the school? That coaches no longer marry students?

#1.1.1.2.1 Delano Finch on 11/12/09 at 10:13 AM [Reply]

Thank you Ex Tiger...you made my point eloquently. I was not attacking Ms.Seabolt or the work she has done over the years, or attempted to do. The problem is, the coaches do still run the school. And guess what Parents for Education? The opposition may have solely been running for an athletic priority in your mind, but in his mind (and the mind of those athletes) he was running for FAIRNESS; equal treatment. The fact that the fairness he was hoping for happened to be in the area of athletics shouldn't discount the fact that he was running for a better chance for all. Period. I also wouldn't be too quick to pat the board on the back for hiring this superintendent. The flip side of that coin is that they were more than willing to NOT fire the previous one. The changes that were so desperately needed came only with the resignation of the previous one. That's the problem. The Board has made it a priority to glorify nepotism in a way. If I'm not mistaken, the community knows the works of this board and do you know what's obviously become the board's opinion about the old ways this school is run is? (This one's for you Ex Tiger)..."well, we gotta stick by our coaches." That's how they feel first and foremost. That's the problem. That's the systematic disease. Don't preach about this Board's priorities when it seems that they've forgotton they're a Board of Education of a School District where STUDENTS come first. This is a SCHOOL first and foremost; Not a business.

#1.1.1.2.1.1 Old Tiger on 11/12/09 at 10:51 AM [Reply]

I remember two coaches that married students during my time... they both started dating when the female students were in the 11th grade. These days that's called a felony.

#1.1.1.2.1.2 Anonymous on 11/12/09 at 11:58 AM [Reply]

Sadly, this is the culture of the Commerce school system. It's pretty much a clique centered around sports. If academics are your priorty, the Jackson County schools are probably a better fit, although lately it looks like East Jackson is doing a pretty good job of both.

#1.1.1.2.1.3 Current Proud Tiger on 11/12/09 at 12:13 PM [Reply]

No one will ever know what he was really running for since he never attended the forum to defend himself or state his stance on the issues. Seems like others did most of the talking for him and we see how well that worked out for him...good luck in your quest and maybe one day "Delano Finch" we will see your name on the ballot and maybe you will have more luck than those you support.

#1.1.1.3 jodi on 11/13/09 at 07:51 PM [Reply]

achievements and awards? please! my kids are in the school system. the only reason test scores have improved is because they are taught the CRCT test every year. The whole curriculum surrounds passing the CRCT test. I haven't been impressed with the creativity or teaching since my daughter had Ms Moshman in the 1st grade 10 years ago. I AM NOT DOGGING ANY TEACHERS! I am just saying they don't give the teachers room to actually teach. The only thing our kids have learn is how to take the CRCT. Granted it does level the playing field but we need new people to brain storm ideas on how to balance and get the best of both (diversity among the education and pass the standardized test. So please don't credit Seabolt. Credit the teachers pressured to make sure a certain percentage of students pass the standardized tests.

#2 anonymous on 11/04/09 at 07:56 AM [Reply]

At least a few people in Commerce were smart enough to vote in some new people. Being in office 20 or more years is way too long !!

#3 An_non_o_mus on 11/04/09 at 10:24 AM [Reply]

Glad to see my vote counted for a change.

#4 ward 2 on 11/04/09 at 10:49 AM [Reply]

Every vote counts,In every Election. But this election proves just how much one person can do. (or in this case 2)

#5 Finally on 11/04/09 at 02:49 PM [Reply]

Glad to see Keith Burchett in, but more importantly glad to see Donald Wilson out. He's been a part of the problem for decades. Nothing like self promoting while in public office. Good riddance – don’t let the door hit you in the backside on the way out.

#5.1 Voter on 11/10/09 at 04:28 PM [Reply]

Rev. Wilson has been in there long enough for himself. He helped the select few, but he was really about helping himself. Maybe now we can get this city on the right track. Good luck to all the new members.

#5.2 About Time on 11/11/09 at 08:20 AM [Reply]

Amen. This man needed to go long long ago. We can start to move out of the 60s. The group we have now, I believe, will look at issues in a fair manner - not like the "Rev" Wilson did - self serving

#5.3 Hugh on 11/12/09 at 04:04 PM [Reply]

In a traditional America, people who have served their government by representing the people of that government have been given expressions of gratitude for their dedication. Why now is it so popular to degrade the contribution of those who have given of themselves, when they have been reelected time after time by the ones whom they serve? Being in office for an extended time does not cause anyone to become "self serving" but rather is an indication that those who elected them were pleased with the representation of their wishes. To imply that anyone is only serving themselves by being reelected by their voters detracts from the dignity of our democratic form of government and our electoral process. Instead of making insulting comments that are not substantiated and made by ones too cowardly to sign their name, these critics should be making constructive suggestions to improve our city. To question the honesty and work ethic of those voted out is destructive and hurtful! What does it gain your cause by demeaning the ones who have gone before you when they have always honored the wishes and represented the concerns of the people in their ward? Wonder how many people in the representative's electoral district are making these destructive comments, not any I expect! The election process worked, you won! Stop belittling those who preceeded you!

#5.3.1 Ward 2 Voter on 11/13/09 at 02:45 PM [Reply]

You are right about moving on and not bad talking about Wilson. His term is up and it's time to move to the future. I voted for Owensby and i'm glad he got it. But I'm not going to fuss about the past. That's like when people keep blaming Bush for our country's problems, get over it and move forward. If everyone would stop complaining and work together about the problems then more could get resolved. It's all our town. All should be working hard to make it better for us and the future.

#5.3.2 jodi on 11/13/09 at 07:41 PM [Reply]

There is a reason why we only elect a president to a certain number of terms and all government including city should be that way. Anyone in office too long gets too comfortable with the status quot and government becomes stagnant. That's why I stated earlier it's time to let the younger generations take the reigns there need to be fresh up to date ideas not 19th century. We are so far in the dark ages its' a shame.

#6 better city on 11/04/09 at 07:30 PM [Reply]

I am glad to see that the people of city of Commerce are ready for a new and improved City of Commerce. We have put some very Honest hard working People in office.These people will not turn their head when they see things going wrong like some of our city Councilman have done. And we can not forget our Dear friend that Departed from us this past weekend Mr Richard Massey.

#6.1 Anonymous on 11/11/09 at 03:23 PM [Reply]

Mr. Massey will be missed in this community. One of the last things that he did prior to his passing was to go out and vote. As sick as he was, he still took the time and effort to do so. He said that if the election came down to 1 or 2 votes, he didn't want to be one of the ones who didn't bother to participate. Looks like he was right on the money and that should be a lesson to us all!

#7 Donna on 11/12/09 at 08:33 AM [Reply]

I love the comments in this article. Reverend Donald Wilson has been a dedicated public servant for years. These comments are petty and should be signed by the person being disrespectful! If he were so terrible why was he voted in year after year. You can ask many of the elderly in his ward how helpful he has been to them throughout the years. He visits the sick in the hospital, the old in the nursing homes and the shut-ins. He and his church serve the community tirelessly. How about giving him a pat on the back for his community service and not a kick in the pants as someone suggests. The pay for this position is petty and the perks are not worth all the aggravation. I hope that his replacement can do half the job that Reverend Wilson has done in the years of service that he has given the city.

#8 Horace Kilgore aka LBJ on 11/12/09 at 10:00 AM [Reply]

Amen, Donna

#9 bwilbanks on 11/14/09 at 06:21 PM [Reply]

We the people of commerce need to pick ourselves up, elect people that carries our city forward and cares about its residents. Braselton and jefferson are leading the way with new jobs and growth I have lived here for 45 years and cannot belive how commerce has elected a mayor and city manager that does nothing but collect a check in any company that would not last over a year. I miss the time of traffic jams downtown as bluebell, sportwear baker and taylor and ropers went home after a hard day work.We need that era to return by electing officials that secure companies to locate in or near commerce.The economy will return to its greatness and we need the foundation (people) in place to make it happen. Fastfood , grocerystores , bars are not what you want to put 25 or 30 years into before you retire.People are fed up with the current admistration in town as good honest hard working people are moving away to support family

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Burchett, Owensby, Pattman and Seabolt win in Commerce election

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Burchett, Owensby, Pattman and Seabolt win in Commerce election

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