Two Cloverdale council members retain support in Tuesday’s primary

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

After what was a relatively low turnout, two members of the Cloverdale Town Council have retained nominations from their party following Tuesday’s primary election.

The all-Republican contests, which were the only ones in Putnam County, featured three races for Wards 1 and 2, as well as the at-large seat on the council.

Incumbent Gary Bennington won back his spot on the general election ballot as the at-large member with 84 votes, while challenger Shelia Anderson received 65 votes. Current Council President Larry Fidler won the closest margin for Ward 1, garnering 79 votes to his opponent Jake Day’s 72 votes. Rick Dearwester beat out former Council President Coweta Patton with 83 votes to her 61 votes for Ward 2.

Current Clerk-Treasurer Cheryl Galloway ran unopposed in the election, but tallied 92 votes toward her spot on the ballot.

All told, 154 voters turned out for the primary, which represents just under 12 percent of the population in Cloverdale who are registered. Specifically, 126 residents cast their ballots on Tuesday, along with 28 prior walk-in absentee voters.

In a call from the Banner Graphic Tuesday evening shortly after the races were called at the Putnam County Courthouse, Bennington expressed some surprise at his win over Anderson, but was happy with the result.

“I’m surprised, to be honest,” Bennington said. “I’m surprised by the (margin), and also by the relatively low turnout, but I’m happy to win.”

Anderson could not be reached for comment on the primary results. Fidler, Day and Dearwester also did not return calls for comment from the Banner Graphic Tuesday evening.

For her part, Patton expressed disappointment in her loss, but said that she was supportive of the results and optimistic about the direction the town may take.

“Of course I would’ve liked to win, because there’s so many things I’d like to continue to do for Cloverdale,” Patton said. “But I’ll stand behind those who won so Cloverdale can grow like it should.”

Patton additionally commented on Fidler’s victory, saying that he was “a good guy,” adding that “He’ll keep things going straight, because he loves this town.”

Responding to a call from the Banner Graphic not long after the results were posted, Galloway was positive on the primary’s outcomes, despite the overall turnout.

“I’m just happy, and I know that things will move forward,” she said in a brief statement. “Congrats to all the winners, and I look forward to working with the council in the future.”