Published: November 07, 2007 10:04 am      

He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race

On second try, former mayor gets third term

Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.

England, the mayor from 1991 until his defeat in 1999, will enjoy more Democratic Party strength than in his previous terms. Voters retained an 8-1 City Council majority for Democrats and re-elected Democratic City Clerk Marcey Wisman.

The clerk during England’s terms, Republican Regina Overton, unseated him in his previous bid for a third term, something England this year frequently called an instructive experience. Now, he’s loading up “a full plate” of issues.

“We’re going to do housing renovation, code enforcement, new streets, more industries, downtown redevelopment and riverfront development,” England said. “I will work very hard and diligently for the betterment of New Albany.”

Hubbard kept the margin closer than any other mayoral finale in 24 years, but that was no consolation.

“They felt he was a better candidate,” Hubbard said of England. “I don’t know what else I can say. ... What’s meant to be is meant to be.”

If there was a silver lining for Hubbard, it was the knowledge that he’ll avoid some stress.

“I’ll probably live longer — not as many headaches,” said Hubbard, who would not speculate about whether he’d consider running again.

The chairs

Republican Party Chairman David Matthews was “very unhappy” Tuesday night.

“I thought we had Randy’s race won, as well as several of the council seats,” Matthews admitted. He believed the level of voter turnout, below 30 percent, helped England and the Democrats, “and I don’t know how to fix that. We’ll be doing some real careful consideration to remedy any perceived problems.”

Plenty of Democrats perceived a problem when England decided to challenge incumbent Mayor James Garner in the primary, and party Chairman Randy Stumler admitted as much Tuesday night. But after England won the primary by a nose, Stumler said, “everyone jumped on board.”

“I personally believe Doug is one of the best mayors we’ve ever had,” Stumler said.

England demurred when asked to describe how different the mayor’s office will operate in the term to come: “Mayor Garner’s been a personal friend of mine.”



Dirty or clean?

Both tickets accused their foes of dirty campaigning in the fall.

Stumler said his candidates ran “clean, honorable races” and believed the election showed voters are “tired of negative campaigning” from Republicans. England proclaimed, “I ran on issues. They ran on issues of accusations and slander.”

Said Matthews, “I was accused of writing letters that were mudslinging, but there was some of that in my direction.” Hubbard called his campaign “honorable.”

“We didn’t get down and throw dirt,” Hubbard said. “I feel good about it.”

England mostly won precincts in central New Albany, downtown and in the west end. Hubbard claimed precincts to the north and east.



Council reaction

Council candidates said they hoped to see cooperation with the new mayor.

“I think Doug is going to bring the council together,” re-elected Councilman at-large Jack Messer said. “I know I’m going to be knocking his door down” to meet with England.

Steve Price, another successful incumbent, said he was “looking forward to Doug getting that riverfront going again ... get some music down there.”

Lone council Republican Kevin Zurschmiede said, “I just hope the new mayor will try hard to work with the council.”

Dick Bliss — a former five-term councilman who lost his return bid Tuesday — said he hoped the Republicans would campaign together more and solidify their ticket in the next election.

“It was just a straight ticket that got us,” Bliss said at Republican headquarters. “I think 2011 will be a whole new ballgame.”