Mayor Robert Blythe will serve another term in Richmond. The incumbent mayor beat challenger Krystin Arnold by more than 1,800 votes.
Just over 40 percent of Madison County voters cast ballots in the election. Mayor Blythe said he’s happy with the turnout, but wishes more people participated in the democratic process.
“That’s not as good as it could be, but at the same time I’m glad it was even that. My goodness, sometimes I worry about apathy and folks who would say that their vote doesn’t count,” said Mayor Blythe.
Even just moments after his win Tuesday, Mayor Blythe recalled losing an election in 1977 for city commissioner by just 11 votes. The mayor said it’s a good reminder that every vote counts.
Mayor Blythe said going forward, he wants to focus on the issue of homelessness in the city.
“And also providing a more adequate facility for our police department and I definitely want the city to take a very close look at what is truly affordable housing,” said Mayor Blythe.
The mayor said other issues are sure to pop up, but addressing those three items is a good place to start.
For both constitutional amendments on the ballot, Madison County voters cast a majority ‘no’ votes.
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