Pelham voted new county executive: Political newcomer unseats Rogers
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?I want to thank my supporters,? Pelham said. ?I wouldn?t be here without them. I also want to thank my family. And I want to thank the voters of Warren County.?
Pelham was generous in his acceptance of the win, complimenting his opponent for his demeanor during the campaign.
?I want to thank Kenneth for the race we ran,? Pelham said. ?It was a clean race and I respect him for that.?
As Pelham pointed out, it was a race where both candidates based their campaigns on the issues. Early on in his run for the county?s top position, pundits had pointed to Pelham?s lack of direct political experience as a possible disadvantage, but Pelham apparently overcame those concerns, possibly due, in part, to a strong showing at the WCPI and Southern Standard sponsored political forum with Rogers.
Voters may have also been influenced by Pelham?s success in business, as well as the fact he comes from a family with political ties in the county. Many voters are familiar with his father, H.T. ?Zeke? Pelham, a former county executive.
During a talk with WCPI?s Bill Zechman, Pelham said he plans to make education a major priority during his term to provide a foundation for recruiting industrial jobs, as well as working cooperatively with the city to pave the way for new industries.
?We need to make sure to increase the graduation rate in Warren County,? Pelham said, ?and work to provide an educated workforce in this community if we are to bring in jobs.?
After serving one term, Rogers was gracious in defeat.
?This is what the people of Warren County wanted so it?s fine by me,? said Rogers. ?We all live in Warren County. Just because I lost doesn?t mean I don?t love Warren County and the people who live here.
?I want to make this transition as smooth as possible. If John wants to come in tomorrow to start familiarizing himself with the office that?s fine with me. My door is open and I want to help him in any way possible.?