Voters reject park plan, re-elect Johnny Johnson

Someone made his opinion clear about the park plan proposal up for consideration in the Whitehouse city elections. The measure was narrowly defeated by 26 votes following months of debate between city officials and citizens concerned about raising taxes to fund the project.

Voters turned out in large numbers for both Whitehouse and Troup elections. The $3 million park plan was narrowly defeated by Whitehouse voters, and incumbent Johnny Johnson decisively won over Hank Gilbert in the Troup trustee election.

The city has a $10,000 hold on the 24 acres intended for the park until July 1. City Manager Ronny Fite said the city council would consider this issue at Tuesday's meeting.

Fite said he could not speak for the council, but it was doubtful the city would still try to purchase the land. He did say that the development of a city park would go back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for new ideas, but there probably wouldn't be anything soon.

The park project was rejected by just 26 votes out of 530 cast. Election Day voting ran in favor of the proposal, with 171 yes votes and 149 no.

In the Troup trustee race, Johnnson led from the outset, taking a large lead in early voting with 152 votes to Gilbert's 23. That difference narrowed slightly on Election Day May 12, with Gilbert receiving 82 votes to Johnson's 143.

The race between Johnson and Gilbert turned personal as the election neared, with Johnson disclosing tax records on his opponent. Gilbert had two campaign signs torn down the weekend before the election and said his home was vandalized election night. Troup Police Chief Pat Hendrix said the matter was under investigation.