Runoff election in Lanett brings final end to mayoral race
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — Candidates for mayor, city council and school board who had qualified for runoff elections reached the final day of decision from voters last Tuesday at the James A. Hardy Gym in Lanett. Once the polls had closed and the votes had been counted, City Clerk Deborah Gilbert announced the results.
Incumbent Mayor of Lanett Jamie Heard was officially re-elected with 906 votes to challenger Randall Aikens receiving 540 votes.
Kristina Story won her runoff race for Lanett City Council in District 2 while Leilani Rudd won her runoff race for the District 3 School Board position.
After the runoff results had been announced, Heard gave a statement addressing the citizens.
“Tonight I stand before you humbled, grateful and filled with hope for the future of our great city,” Heard said. “First, I want to thank God for his grace and strength through this journey. To my family, my church family, my campaign team and every volunteer who knocked on doors, made calls and stood with me this victory belongs to you as much as it does to me. To the citizens of Lanett, thank you for trusting me once again to serve as your mayor. You have given me an honor of continuing the work we have started, and I do not take this responsibility lightly.”
Heard said he appreciates the care his opponents have for Lanett and the work of everyone who wants to continue the progress of the city.
“I also want to acknowledge my opponents in this race,” he said. “They too love this city and their voices and ideas have made us stronger. I look forward to working with them and many members of our community because progress requires all of us, not just one. When I look back at the last four years, I see a city that has made strides. Together we have resurfaced more than 20 streets, strengthened our police and fire department, improved our senior center and brought efficiency and accountability to city hall.”
With his reelection official, Heard shared some of his hopes for Lanett’s future.
“But we know our work is not finished,” he said. “Tonight is not just about celebrating the past, it is about shaping the future. In this next term, we will continue to invest in our safer streets, stronger neighborhoods and better opportunity for our young people. We will support small businesses, attract new jobs and make Lanett a city where every family can thrive. This election was never about me, it was about us, about Lanett, about our shared future. Now that the campaign is over it is time to put aside differences and come together as one city. So tonight, I say thank you, thank you for your trust, your prayers, your support and your belief in what Lanett can become. Now, let us roll up our sleeves and get back to work. Our best days are ahead of us and together we will make Lanett shine brighter than ever before.”
