While the citizens of its neighboring Houston County cities will be headed to the polls this November to cast votes, Centerville’s residents will not. It was verified on Thursday, August 19 that no one showed up during the qualifying period to run against the incumbents who would be up for re-election.
Three governmental leadership positions in Centerville would have been up for grabs, namely Centerville Mayor, as well as two Centerville City Council seats—Post 1 and Post 2. However, because no one stepped forward to qualify as challengers before the deadline passed, Mayor John Harley, Councilman Robert “Bob” Bird, and Councilman Justin Wright will automatically get the opportunity to continue to serve.
Bird was recently voted in, during a special runoff that took place last month. He was elected to complete the term of 20-year Councilman Cameron Andrews who took an early retirement, leaving his Post 1 seat open. Bird would have been required to run again in November to retain the seat, but now, he won’t have to.
“I’m very excited about the chance to serve the city and the people of Centerville for four more years,” Bird told Houston Home Journal.
Wright, who had held the Post 2 position now for four years, was all set to take on the challenge of running for four more, but his second term is now already set in stone due to the lack of opposition. He took to his official social media page on Thursday to express his exuberance, saying, “I was informed yesterday that I will be unopposed in my bid for re-election. I’m grateful for the trust the citizens of Centerville have placed in me. It’s my honor to serve you for another four years!”
Centerville’s mayor since 2009 is the honorable John Harley, and because he, too, received no challengers for the November election, another four years will be his to serve as head of the city.
“As mayor for the past 12 years, I am honored that I will be able to serve an additional term,” Harley shared with Houston Home Journal. “We have accomplished significant projects over the past 12 years and have a bright future ahead.” Harley expressed a special note of appreciation to the citizens of Centerville, adding, “Thank you to all the incredible residents for being an integral part of our story.”
Elections will take place as scheduled in the cities of Warner Robins and Perry. Opponents qualified in both those municipalities, including the mayoral race in Warner Robins where Mayor Randy Toms is up for re-election.
HHJ News
