LAUREL HILL — Voters in Okaloosa County’s northernmost incorporated city chose newcomers over an incumbent and former mayor to fill three seats on the City Council.
School teacher Debra Adams, retired engineer Daniel Lane and former Marine and sailor Scott Moneypenny will replace incumbent Willie Mae Toles, retiring Councilwoman Betty Williamson, and fill a seat that has been vacant for more than a year and a half.
Former mayor and city councilwoman Joan Smith, running to reclaim her council seat, was defeated with 27 votes to Adams’ 52, Lane’s 75 and Moneypenny’s 52.
Long-haul truck driver Randy Tickle received 20 votes, and Toles received 38.
Residents at a North Okaloosa Republican Club-sponsored candidates’ forum expressed a desire to see the city move forward from distractions including monthly deadlocks that failed to fill the vacant council seat, allegations of racial bias, and questions of residency.
Electing relative newcomers to the council seemed to indicate frustration with the status quo offered by longtime residents.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill voters choose newcomers to fill 3 council seats