Election Recap for Stone, Taney Counties

Voters in Missouri had the opportunity to cast ballots for local officials and issues in the April Municipal Elections Tuesday.

According to the unofficial numbers posted by the area county clerks, Taney County saw 7.67% of voters turnout to cast a ballot while Stone County reported 13.6% voter turnout. 

Highlights of the Election:
Branson Elects New Alderman
Glenn Schulz wins his challenge for the Ward 2 Seat held by Chuck Rodriguez defeating the incumbent 204-133. The other contested race went to the incumbent as Marshall Howden defeated challenger and former Ward 1 Alderman Bill Skains to serve a second term. 

An interview with Glenn Schulz from KRZK's "Ozarks Now" Election Special is below:

Incumbent Wins Contested Race in Hollister
Jeff Long had been appointed fill the seat vacated by Ward 2 Alderman David Willard when he resigned last year. In a switch of positions, the other Ward 2, Phil Carman ran for the one-year unexpired term while Long faced off against challenger Dale Grubaugh for Carman's two-year seat. Long defeated Grubaugh to stay on the board 114-95. 

Branson School Board
First time candidate Alex Williams had the most votes to get one of the two vacant seats while the one incumbent running, Cole Currier, held off first time candidate Jason Pritchett by 25 votes for the second seat in a four person race. 

Reeds Spring Mayor
Jimmy Leach was appointed in January to succeed Rob Chamberlain as Mayor after Chamberlin stepped down in January. However Chamberlin's name was still on the ballot for reelection and though Leach ran as a write-in, Chamberlin still received the most votes. Assuming Chamberlin does not want to resume as Mayor, Leach or another person will have to be appointed to that position.

Forsyth Elects New Alderman
There will be a change in the Forsyth Board as incumbent Mark Moore was defeated for the Ward 2 Seat by challenger Shawn Mathenia 115-56.  

Ballot Issues
All three big ballot issues in the Lakes Region passed, the Bond Issues for the Forsyth and Hollister School District as well as the issue in Stone County to impose a tax to fund the formation of an Ambulance District. 

Complete results from the elections can be found through the links below:

Stone County Clerk's Office
Taney County Clerk's Office