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March 3, 2008

County voting light so far

Transcript Staff Writer

Voting turnout was light in two days of in-person absentee voting Friday and Monday.

"It's sad," said Colleen Allen, who was working the in-person absentee precinct at the Cleveland County Election Board. Allen was referring to only using a modest amount of ballots on those two days.

There were 67 citizens who voted in-person absentee Friday, with 56 voting Monday.

Precinct officials attributed part of the light turnout to the colder weather. Temperatures were about 30 degrees colder on Monday vs. the balmy, shirt-sleeve weather from Sunday.

The heaviest voting by in-person absentee was for the $69.9 million school bond vote in Moore, followed by north Cleveland County voters in Oklahoma City weighing in on improvements on the Ford Center, expected to lure the Seattle SuperSonics away to Oklahoma City if the vote is successful.

And in Moore, the mayor's race also will be decided today.

Norman voters decide today on three City Council seats in Wards 2, 4 and 6.

The precinct officials said voting was particulary light on the council races, with only a handful of people voting in each race.

Ward 4 drew the most votes of the three races, they said.

Two candidates are challenging incumbent Ward 4 councilmember Carol Price Dillingham, who was appointed to fill the term of Cindy Rosenthal after she was elected mayor. Gregory Jungman, a political science professor at Rose State University and senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is running for the Ward 4 seat, as is Chris Jingozian, a mental health employee.

Ward 4 covers downtown and much of "core Norman."

In Norman's south central Ward 2 race, the choice is between three candidates competing to succeed Richard Stawicki.

Running for the Ward 2 seat are Michael McKee, a Norman attorney and former assistant city attorney; Chebon Marshall, owner of a small Norman advertising and marketing firm; and Tom Kovach, customer service representative for Astronomics.

In Ward 6 in northeastern Norman, local dentist Jim Griffith and small businesswoman Lou Mansfield will compete for the seat being vacated by David Hopper.

In Moore, incumbent Glenn Lewis is seeking his sixth term. He is being challenged by Paul Jaynes, a former Marine.

Included in Moore's school bond vote would be construction of two new elementary schools in the district, about $24.8 million.

Another $12 million would go for a fine arts center at Moore High School; $10 million will be used to build and equip a new gymnasium, band room and athletic facilities at Westmoore High School.

About $13 million would go for new computers, software and computer-related equipment throughout the district, plus additional security cameras.

Carol Cole-Frowe

366-3538

ccole@normantranscript.com

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