More Endorsements In Brookhaven's Runoff Elections

Former District 3 city council candidate Hope Bawcom has endorsed J. Max Davis for mayor.

Patch learned of Bawcom's endorsement early Tuesday afternoon. Davis is facing Sandy Murray in next Tuesday's Brookhaven runoff to become the new city's first mayor.

"I've gotten to know both candidates during the campaign process for the city council election and based on my experience J. Max has been the best team player that I've worked with," Bawcom told Patch. "He has always been willing to listen to ideas that I've had even if they conflicted with some of his own.

"I feel very confident that as mayor, he will make the best effort to find common ground between differing opinions within the city council."

Also on Tuesday, a loyal Patch reader informed us that Julia Russo, another former District 3 candidate, has endorsed Kevin Quirk in his runoff against Bates Mattison for that position.

"I like Kevin's diversity of knowledge and experience," Russo told Patch late Tuesday afternoon. "He majored in economics and practiced law at the Department of Justice, at a very large law firm and, most recently, at a smaller law firm. I believe a variety of experiences gives a council member skills needed for effective participation on the council and to ultimately help build a city of excellence.

On Tuesday morning, Patch posted its analysis of Brookhaven's city council runoffs. Quirk now has the endorsements of both Russo and Deborah Anthony, two candidates who made respectable showings in several District 3 precincts.

However, during Monday night's Brookhaven runoff debates, Jeff Kellar, former vice president of BrookhavenYES, represented Mattison, who was not in attendance.

Our take: Endorsements often don't translate into victories. But with turnout expected to be extremely low next Tuesday, candidates in District 3 need all the exposure and loyal voter support they can muster. This race remains a tossup.

Related Items:

Patch Analysis: Brookhaven's City Council Runoffs.

Police, Zoning, Hispanic Outreach Among Topics In Brookhaven Runoff Debate.

District 2: The Wild Card In Brookhaven's Mayoral Runoff?

Brookhaven Runoffs: Who Has Your Support?

Your Complete Guide To Brookhaven Elections.

Crowded Brookhaven City Council Races Result In Runoffs.