Zack Thompson won election to the Ward 2 seat on the Gainesville City Council on Tuesday, while the Ward 3 race is headed to a Dec. 1 runoff.
Barbara Brooks and Andre Cheek finished 1-2 in a four-person field for the Ward 3 seat held by the retiring Myrtle Figueras.
Thompson, a Gainesville businessman, earned 75 percent of the votes to earn the seat long held by Robert Hamrick.
GAINESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WARD 2
√ Zack Thompson, 75%
Emory Turner, 25%
Zack Thompson
Who is he: Thompson is the co-owner of Professional Touch Landscapes and Tap It Gainesville Growlers located on Thompson Bridge Road. He is married with two daughters.
How he reacted: “I am very humbled by all the support I’ve gotten in the past six months … I am extremely excited about the next step I have to serve the citizens of Gainesville.”
On the issues: “I see a livable, walkable, sustainable Gainesville that will attract new, vibrant businesses, people and, ultimately, families young and old. Whether in business or government, transparency and communication are the keys to success.”
What’s next: Thompson takes office Jan. 5, replacing longtime council member Bob Hamrick.
GAINESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WARD 3
√ Barbara Brooks, 44%
√ Andre Cheek, 28%
Lemuel Betancourt, 20%
Montine Whelchel Smith, 8%
Barbara Brooks
Who is she: Brooks is a retired school social worker. She is married with three adult children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
How she reacted: “I had been praying for somewhere between 51 and 53 percent. That did not happen. I am very excited that I have this much confidence from the citizens of Gainesville and I look forward to finishing this up. Let’s finish the job.”
On the issues: “My goals will be to understand the needs of my ward and my city; to have an appreciation for the process of governing in order to improve the quality of life of citizens; and to commit to the growth and development of the beautiful city of Gainesville.”
What’s next: Will face Cheek in a runoff Dec. 1.
Andre Cheek
Who is she: Cheek is the outreach unit program coordinator in the Office of Education and Reentry Services of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. She is the oldest of three children and mother of one child.
How she reacted: “I’m really excited about (the runoff). I’m just thankful that the citizens of Gainesville think enough about me and came out and voted. So I look forward to the next couple of weeks.”
On the issues: “My goals include focusing on economic growth and development while managing traffic and congestion, and looking for opportunities to increase green space development and safer neighborhoods.”
What’s next: Will face Brooks in a runoff Dec. 1.