Voter turnout is a major concern of the four candidates seeking two places on Hartselle City Council in next Tuesday’s Municipal Runoff election.

“Some of the people I’ve been talking to are confused about the election,” said Franklin D. Turney. “Perhaps that’s because we had the special constitutional amendment election just a few days ago.”

“Some ask ‘when is the election?’ That concerns me with the election coming up on Oct. 9th,” he added.

Turney’s opponent, Kenneth “Ken” Doss, expressed a similar concern.

“Getting those who voted for me in the first election to go back and vote for me again is a primary concern of mine,” said Doss. “I’m sure it is for all of the candidates. I’m posting messages on my website to remind voters to go vote again. Hopefully, that will help.”

City Clerk/Controller Rita Lee said she is optimistic the runoff will attract a good voter turnout because three of the city’s six elective position are up for grabs.

“I’m up to 33 requests for absentee ballots as of today, she said on Thur., Sept. 27. That’s a good sign of a high level of interest.”

Lee said the election would be set up the same way it was on Aug. 28 and will have the same election workers. Hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Glenn McGann, a candidate for Council, Place #3, said he has spent a lot of time during the past four weeks reminding voters that their participation in the runoff election is just as important as it was on Aug. 28.

“I stood outside of the civic center during the special amendment election, offered campaign cards to voters as they left and reminded them to come back and vote in the runoff,” he said. “No matter which candidates win, we’re going to have a new mayor and two new council members making important decision for our community for the next four years. It’s vital that we have well-qualified, dedicated officials working hard to grow Hartselle and provide needed services for its citizens.”

McGann edged Karen Owens by one vote, 646 to 645, for the opportunity to go up against the front runner, Mike Roberson (1,023 votes) in the runoff.

Roberson said his lead the first time around hasn’t affected his approach to the runoff.

“There is no such thing as a comfortable lead in a runoff election,” he stated. “My focus has been to continue contacting as many voters as possible, share my goals and ideas for strong municipal government and urge to go back to the polls and vote on Oct. 9th.

Roberson said feedback he is getting from people involves traffic movement, medical facilities and the wet-dry issue.

“Anytime I have the chance, I mention my resolve to maximize efforts to attract new and expanded business and industry to Hartselle,” he pointed out.