District 2: The Wild Card In Brookhaven's Mayoral Runoff?
District 2 may decide whether J. Max Davis or Sandy Murray will become Brookhaven's first mayor.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, Brookhaven residents head to the polls once again to choose the new city’s first mayor, and also complete the election of its first city council.
Here is a Patch analysis of the mayoral runoff election. On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Patch will analyze the three city council races that will be decided.
Election Night And Its Aftermath
For a while during the evening of Nov. 6, it looked as if J. Max Davis would win enough votes to win the four-candidate race with a runoff. At one point during the evening, Davis was leading the race with more than 50 percent of the vote, enough to win the contest outright.
The former head of BrookhavenYES, Davis was one of the leaders of the cityhood movement. He was also the new city’s first announced candidate for public office.
However, as more election night results came in, Sandy Murray chipped away at Davis’ lead, winning enough of the vote to force a runoff (Davis finished with 49 percent, to Murray's 36 percent. The rest of the vote went to Larry Danese and Thom Shepard, who finished third and fourth, respectively).
Less than 24 hours later, Murray was endorsed by newly elected District 2 city councilman Jim Eyre, who was the only candidate to outright win his race on Nov. 6. Eyre’s District 2 includes the Drew Valley and Ashford Park communities, whose neighborhoods formed the heart of the No City movement during the municipalization debate.
Eyre defeated another BrookhavenYES leader, Russell Mitchell, and a third candidate, Larry Hurst, winning all four of District 2's precincts.
Deborah Anthony, who unsuccessfully ran for District 3 city council, also has endorsed Murray.
Breaking Down The Vote
Davis won eight of Brookhaven’s 12 precincts, with Murray winning the remaining four. His strongest showings, in which he received more than 50 percent of the vote, came in all four of District 1’s precincts: Ashford Dunwoody Road; Ashford Parkside; Kittredge Brookhaven; and Montgomery Elementary. Davis also resides in District 1.
He also had a strong showing in Eyre’s District 2 Ashford Park Elementary precinct, winning with 49 percent of the vote, compared to Murray’s 34 percent.
Murray’s victories came in:
- The Cross Keys High precinct (districts 3 and 4), 43 percent to Davis’ 40 percent;
- The Montclair Elementary precinct (district 4), 56 percent to Davis’ 23 percent; and
- The Woodward Elementary precinct (district 4), 44 percent to Davis' 36 percent.
In the Briarwood precinct (districts 2, 3, and 4), Murray finished one percentage point behind Davis, 42 to 43 percent. She was also competitive in the Silver Lake precinct (district 3), finishing with 39 percent of the vote to Davis’ 44.
And she finished three percentage points behind Davis in the Skyland Brookhaven precinct (district 2), 41 percent to 44 percent.
So What Could Happen Next Tuesday?
DeKalb County had an overall turnout of 73 percent on Nov. 6. Of the new city of Brookhaven’s approximately 30,000 registered voters, 15,888 cast ballots in the mayor’s race, a 53 percent turnout.
According to data from the Georgia Secretary of State, turnout for runoffs are much lower than for general elections. However, because these are Brookhaven’s first-ever elections, there is no historical data for comparison.
There is no reason to expect Davis to lose any of his home, District 1 precincts in the runoff. Murray was not competitive in any of those areas.
Districts 3 and 4 have tightly contested city council runoff elections, so voters may be more motivated to turn out for their local elections. Murray’s strongest showings came in District 3’s Montclair precinct and District 4’s Woodward precinct.
The wild card is the race may lie in District 2. Murray opposed Brookhaven cityhood, as did Eyre, which may have made her a more attractive candidate to like-minded voters in those neighborhoods.
But District 2 is also the only race without a runoff. Davis won District 2’s Ashford Park Elementary precinct, while Murray was competitive in District 2’s remaining three precincts.
Whether Eyre’s support for Murray will motivate his core voters to go to the polls once again is the biggest question mark for Murray's campaign.
Related Items:
Brookhaven Runoffs: Who Has Your Support?
Your Complete Guide To Brookhaven Elections.
Murray Picks Up Another Endorsement In Mayor's Runoff.
Murray Endorsed By Brookhaven's First Elected Official.
Davis, Murray Get Back To Work In Brookhaven Mayoral Runoff.
Crowded Brookhaven City Council Races Result In Runoffs.
"E Pluribus Unum"
6:56 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
I say Tim did a very nice job of outlining all of the factors leading up to December 4th. As to what all this means and what happens, who knows? I'm guessing it will be less than 53% turnout. As for me, I'm just glad the end is in sight. I can reconnect my landline on December 5th.
Kiri Walton
11:07 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
I agree! This was a very well-written and organized article!
Eddie E.
8:01 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
That's nice.
When do the Citizens get to see the proposed budget numbers?
Phil
9:30 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
I would think it would be advisable that the City have a Mayor and a full complement of council members before they deliberate on a budget. What do you think, Eddie?
Eddie E.
11:09 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
Phil,
The budget numbers were supposed to be given to the Candidates on or about November 7 and then made public afterwards.
What happened?
I think the public needs to see this as soon as possible since the runoff shortens the time between election of the officials and acceptance of reality by the Electorate.
Thomas T Telford
11:20 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
Phil,
If there are budget numbers available, we do have one elected official, Jim Eyre, that could be getting up to speed. Knowing that Jim is a numbers guy, he should (if he doesn't already) have the numbers.
Howard Roark
11:45 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
Eddie, where in HB 636 Section 6.05 does it state that the Governor's Commission was supposed to give anyone budget numbers on November 7th?
Eddie E.
12:20 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
jg (imaginary failure),
I'm just repeating what was stated after the Commission process started.
What's the hold-up?
Eddie E.
12:20 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
jg,
Referring to the pronouncements, not the Bill.
Thomas T Telford
12:20 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
ATTN: John Galt
Section 6.05 Governor's Commission
Brookhaven City Charter (HB 636)
1332 Such report shall be made public via the Internet on the day immediately following the
1333 general election date of the mayor and city council and shall be delivered to the newly
1334 elected mayor and city council. The commission shall stand dissolved when the members
1335 of the first city council take office.
Line 1333 "General Election date" was Nov 6th. Thats where it says it. Also - there is no provision in the charter regarding the governors commission nor is there any text allowing for a delay in the event of a runoff.
Runoff's (aka Run-off's) in the Charter and are found in Section 2.01 and the text discusses procedure in the event a runoff is needed. Again there is no provision for runoffs concerning the Governors Commission.
My guess is the news is not good and they do not want to share as it may have negative implications in regard to the campaign promises made by a certain candidate. There IS in fact a budget. It was ready November 7th as the Commission was charged to prepare. It simply is not being shared for obvious reasons.
Thomas T Telford
12:30 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Here is the link to the Charter BTW. Check it out for yourself.
http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/pdf/hb636.pdf
Howard Roark
12:47 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
TTT,
Where in "the commission shall prepare and present a written report to the new mayor and city council on the following matters: (1) Backgrounds and qualifications of possible candidates for the positions of city manager, city attorney, city clerk, and city accountant; (2) A proposed plan for cost-effectively privatizing the delivery of as many city services as practicable based upon the best practices of other municipalities; and (3) Possible locations and pricing for leased city office facilities" does the word BUDGET appear?
Thomas T Telford
1:05 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
ATTN: John Galt.
Call it what you want, spin it how you will. The Report contains a budget. Refer to the construct of Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. But to appease you, let's just start with this then:
1329 (2) A proposed plan for cost-effectively privatizing the delivery of as many city services
1330 as practicable based upon the best practices of other municipalities; and
1331 (3) Possible locations and pricing for leased city office facilities.
Sheesh. So blinded.
Eddie E.
1:16 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
All of the requirements (and the Budget) are completed.
What legitimate reason is there to keep this away from public view?
I thought 'transparency' was one of the major drivers of the entire municipalooza.
Howard Roark
1:56 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Eddie, does it do any good to showcase a budget that would only serve as a "recommendation" to the governing authority while RFP's are outstanding? It seems to me that would be a good way for vendors to come back with bids matching respective line items in the budget. Just an idea...
Eddie E.
3:58 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
jg,
Then reject those bids (all if necessary and resubmit).
What reason is there to prevent the Electorate from digesting the numbers as soon as possible?
Despite the RUSH to get to this point, the City doesn't really have to be under the gun to move hastily as none of the services under consideration without a current 'vendor' and in most cases being provided adequately.
What is there to hide?
Thomas T Telford
3:58 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
While we are on the topic of the Charter, perhaps what we are witnessing by not sharing public information with the public is my favorite line in the Charter.
45 (b) The powers of this city shall be construed liberally in favor of the city. The specific
46 mention or failure to mention particular powers shall not be construed as limiting in any way
47 the powers of this city.
Power.
"Beware the beast Man, for he is the Devil's pawn. Alone among God's primates, he kills for sport or lust or greed. Yea, he will murder his brother to possess his brother's land. Let him not breed in great numbers, for he will make a desert of his home and yours. Shun him; drive him back into his jungle lair, for he is the harbinger of death."
- The Lawgiver
Howard Roark
6:04 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
TTT: again, no mention of a budget, but nice try. BTW, please remove your hat at the next Commission meeting -- very rude.
Eddie: out of public view? hiding? Haven't all of the Commission's committee meetings been open to the public, including Finance? If you were so interested in any discussions regarding a budget, I'd be interested in knowing if you spent the time attending any of these OPEN meetings and sharing your opinions in those settings. BTW, your councilman seems very pleased with the report he was provided.
EPU: we must be reading a different Charter. There is NO mention of a budget. Phil has it correct (as usual) -- the Commission has no authority to submit a budget.
Eddie E.
9:32 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
jg,
Of course I attended.
I do things differently from Thomas, arrive late, don't introduce myself and sit quietly and listen (unless there is a clear financial conflict of interest and then I speak up so it will be in the minutes).
But tell me, what is there to hide?
A Resident
3:58 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
If you have a complaint about the Governor's Commission you should take it up with the Governor. The city doesn't exist until December 17th. The city council doesn't exist because there is no city and certainly there is no quorum.
Thomas T Telford
4:24 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Already done so. And additionally alerted the Governor that William Riley has advised the Commission to take the position they have taken on the budget. It's amazing what you can pick up if you sit close to the front and get to the meetings early. Last commission meeting I had the pleasure of sitting right next to J Max. Although he does fidget around alot. Also - I am usually the first person there and nearly the last person to leave if anyone wants to chat.
The commission is in-fact in violation of the charter. Like it or not, and is it a big deal? Not for me to decide. That's why I have contacted Nathan.
"E Pluribus Unum"
4:19 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
JG....after reading the Charter, I also agree that a preliminary budget would have had to be prepared as one of the key "handoff items" to the newly elected city officials. Since folks weren't planning on the number of runoffs we now have, it would help to build trust and possibly transparency for the Commission to make a simple statement a preliminary budget is set and will be handed over to the new city officials on December 5th. Fill the vacuum with credible info or folks will put their answers into the equation. It's that simple...agree?
Phil
4:24 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
The Commission had no authority to submit a budget.
Eddie E.
6:04 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Well, since they did submit one in their report, it should be released to the Public.
"E Pluribus Unum"
8:16 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Phil, we can quibble over language and nuances of process, but you have to agree that a new city formation based on efficiency, lower costs, higher services , and a Governor appointed Commission involved with the RFP process, has a preliminary budget sitting in the drawer. Also, given the very short timeline between the runoff and when the city becomes legal, if they didn't, they would not be doing their job. Agree?
Eddie E.
9:32 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
EPU,
It just baffles me.
All of that volunteer effort kept from the light of day.
I just don't understand why?
"E Pluribus Unum"
6:58 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Eddie E.,
Let me guess...the bad news shoes are getting ready to drop? In other words, the reality of big, bold promises not being financially feasible is about the hit folks squarely in the gut. I really do hope I am wrong.
Eddie E.
8:02 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
If the numbers supported the lofty suppositions of the CVI and the Bill Charter, one would assume that it would be printed on banners hanging over every major thoroughfare by now.
Albie Alright
12:30 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Eddie,
The reason the budget is not out there is because the news is not good. We should all show up at the commission meeting and demand the numbers. Mr Riley has advised them to not share it however.
"E Pluribus Unum"
11:46 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Eddie E., exactly. Now, I wonder what possible messages will be provided to explain the reality vs campaign promises? Again, I really hope this isn't the case but we'll soon find out.
Albie Alright
12:53 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Maybe J Max or Mikey can explain how the promised "Lower Your Taxes" actually ment a Tax Increase.
A quote from State Rep. Mike Jacobs Website:
"FAQs on the City of Brookhaven: April 9, 2012
Q: How will cityhood affect my property taxes?
A: It will reduce your overall property tax burden as compared to what is paid in unincorporated DeKalb County."
A quote from the BrookhavenYes website:
"You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers...
Q: Will a city increase my tax bill?
A: No. You will receive a tax cut from the city which is mandated by the city charter."
FACT: The city creation means for you a $166.00 per $100,000 of assessed value of to live in Brookhaven.
Unicorporated Dekalb: 10.12 Mills
Brookhaven: 11.78 Mills
Dunwoody: 10.17
Chamblee: 14.23
Land of the Promise Breakers.
Eddie E.
2:26 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
But wait, I'm already counting on my fat tax cut!
I'm waiting to see the parks budget. The only question is will we tilt toward 'Vesailles' or 'Tivoli' for design schemes.
The repavement of everything with grand new sidewalks on all streets.
Zoning regulations that protect homeowners over home builders, streams and wetlands over developers, Citizens over dollars.
Better police coverage than we have ever had, all at a lower price
Don't tell me it was all a twisted fantasy!!!
Phil
2:26 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Albie--- great research--except you "neglect" to mention that the County upped the millage rate they would charge cities for certain services --two weeks before the referendum in a pretty blatant attempt to influence the vote for Brookhaven.
Prior to that unilateral decision (that is being challenged by the new cities--of which I would expect Brookhaven to join in once the runoff is done), it was clear that Jacobs and BrookhavenYES was stating the facts.
Am I correct in any of this, Albie?
Albie Alright
3:29 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Phil,
BEFORE the county REALLOCATED millages Brookhaven would have been a .61 millage increase. Do your homework. By the way smartie pants...this was all pointed out way before the referendum vote and before the county REALLOCATION. Your rotund leader decided to spin it and ignore it. You believed him. Whatever. Oh the uninformed. Unbelievable. What other promises will we find to be a lie?
patrick
5:04 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Dist. 2 will be without a voice for the next year{unless you voted for Jim, those that did not WILL NOT have a voice],I would like to request from Sandy or those who follow her to do One thing before the election with regard to Ashford Park Pecent, that would STOP STOP please Stop placing signs on propery that the owner did not given their ok examples
1.a sign on the corner of Clairmont and Dresen Drive on property that the state of georgia see looking for the owner
2 Clairmont and Bragg that the OWNER had to remove.
3. on a great number of phone poles,I do not think Beel South gave their ok.
The city would not need so many police if ,the person,who wants more police would ONLY OBEY the law today.
Eddie E.
5:37 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Patrick,
That squiggly red line under a word you just typed indicates a mis-spelling.
You might want to check that.
And, I'm GLAD TO HAVE A STRONG VOICE IN ASHFORD PARK.
I hope the runoff will give me a strong MAYORAL voice as well!
HamBurger
6:06 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Mr. Patrick, now how about asking Mr. Phil and Mr. Thom to speak to their leader and have J. Max Davis remove all of his illegal signs! His man was out this past weekend putting his signs out at every available street corner!
Please pass the yellow mustard!
patrick
8:25 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Where in the Ashford Park Voting Percent?
Kathie " Straight Outta Compton" Coy
8:25 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
I have noticed LOTS of Sandy signs stapled to phone poles in Ashford Park. I don't know who to call to complain...Jim E?
Eddie E.
8:02 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Really?
Where are these signs?
I mostly notice the jmaxjr signs in the yards of empty houses.
Phil
8:25 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
HamBurger--You support J. Max Davis for Mayor. So I guess he is your leader too. You have posted here numerous times that you are voting for J. Max.
See--we can agree.
Eddie E.
8:02 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Another day with no announcement of the BUDGET.
I guess our 'Peachtree Corners Moment' has been postponed until after the election, and probably for an obvious reason.
Kathie " Straight Outta Compton" Coy
2:10 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Eddie, there are several on Cravenridge and Tryon Rd. Also on Duke and Skyland.
Eddie E.
7:50 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Wow, they must be invisible!
That is my daily orbit and I can't find them!
Eddie E.
8:37 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Just drove down each of the roads again and still no signs.
My, this campaign has certainly been filled with fanciful allegations.
HamBurger
9:09 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Now we can concentrate on all of those improperly placed J. Max Davis signs out there. Where are Mr. Phil and Mr. Thom when you need them!
Please pass the yellow mustard!
Kathie " Straight Outta Compton" Coy
8:37 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Eddie I can't see how you could miss the one on the corner of Duncan and Duke?? It was still there this morning stapled to the pole. Also do a loop around AP Elem. , a few there too.
patrick
7:45 pm on Friday, November 30, 2012
Eddie ,please tell tell us WHERE in Ashford Park Percent do you see J Max Davis signs, that were placed WITHOUT the ok of the owner, Sorry he or those who want him have NOT damage phone poles or placed signs on land that the State is looking for the owner,as Sandy {need more police,to enforce the law} did.
Kathie " Straight Outta Compton" Coy
9:07 am on Saturday, December 1, 2012
Eddie, I assume by your lack of reply you have seen the signs?