Hay Wins Bid for Wheeler Tax Commissioner’s Post

Curtis Hay edged out Whitney Clark Griffin in the July 15 runoff election for the Wheeler County Tax Commissioner’s post. Just 74 votes separated the tallies for Hay and Griffin as only 25.61% of the county’s 3,327 registered continued from page

voters turned out. Hay earned 461 votes to Griffin’s 387 votes for a total of 852 votes cast.

The two candidates were headed for a runoff after a June 17 special election where the difference between votes earned by the top contenders was razor thin. Neither Griffin nor Hay received 50% of the vote in the June election, necessitating a runoff. Griffin received 31.20% of the votes (293 votes), and Curtis Hay garnered 32.16% (302 votes), a margin of only nine votes.

Originally, three Republicans sought election to the seat recently vacated by Kim Clark. In addition to Griffin and Hay, Bradley Davis was also in the running and amassed 9.69% of the total ballots cast (91 votes). Marvin Howard, a Democrat, won 26.94% of the total, or 253 votes in the June election.

Wheeler County Elections Supervisor Karen Mercer said that 943 ballots were cast in the June special election, amounting to 28.34% of the county’s registered voters.

In a Facebook post following the election, Hay stated, “Wow is all I can say! I am excited to announce that I get to have the honor of serving you all as your next Tax Commissioner. The support that you all have given has been nothing short of amazing. I am excited to continue meeting you all as you come in and out of the office.”

He added, “As promised, I will continue with the progress that has been made, ensuring the same standards that are already in place are upheld. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out [through] my cell phone 478-298-1665, or the office phone. I look forward to being able to serve you all. Once again thank you all for your continued support and prayers as I take on this role.”

He praised his opponent. “Thank you Whitney Griffin for running a clean race. This election has been a true example of how an election should be when everyone wants the best for the county. I wish you and your family all the best of luck for your next adventure.”

Griffin also reflected on the race. “Congratulations to the new Tax Commissioner of Wheeler County Curtis Hay!! I pray that you keep the Lord close and I pray for our county daily,” she remarked. “I am grateful I had this opportunity; it has taught me so much, good and bad. I said it before and I stick to what I said – this county is home and Tax Commissioner is a job. Thank you to everyone who makes this county home each and every day.”

She continued, “I may not have won the seat, but I won so much more along the way! I feel more connected to all of you than ever before; and I thank you all for listening to me babble, inviting me in your homes, and trusting me with your cares and concerns. My heart is with you all! I meant what I said to each of you that I spoke with. If I can ever do anything to help you in any way, I will be glad to do so. Please reach out. I have a willing and giving heart and will continue to do all I can for this wonderful county. To the ones that came by Election Day to check on me, love on me, pray for me – I love you! I know the ones who fully supported me and you will never know how much it means to me and I will forever be grateful!”

She reassured voters that she plans to continue serving the County in any way that she can.

The July 15 balloting included a Democratic primary runoff for Georgia Public Service Commission District 3. In this race, locally Peter Hubbard received 32 votes to Keisha Waites’ 64 votes. Statewide, Hubbard defeated Waites and will face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in November.