LaRhonda Patrick, Randall Walker take Houston County mayor’s races

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick has been reelected to serve the city for another four years after a landslide victory against challenger Fabian Velazquez, securing 79% of the vote.

Patrick shared her excitement during her watch party Tuesday night. She felt a mix of nerves, work, anticipation, and anxiety throughout the day, but felt amazing after her win. 

Patrick thanked supporters and citizens for their votes.

“Thank you for trusting in me and believing in me and giving me another chance to serve you and continue elevating our city,” she said. 

After a long campaign, Patrick looks forward to resting and spending time with her son, Laine. She said he notices how much she works, and wants to take time to be with him, especially with the holidays coming up. 

Over the next four years, Patrick is excited to work on a new animal shelter, a joint effort with the City of Centerville and Houston County. She also aims to initiate renovations at Perkins Field, which will include the construction of an amphitheater and the renovation of the Civic Center. It will also include a new activity center, senior center and on-demand shuttle transportation. 

During a press conference, Patrick encouraged the public to dare to dream and persevere, just as she had. She emphasized that people can achieve their goals if they are determined, but it’s essential to back up their dreams with hard work.

“It takes work to do this job, and when I came in, I had experience from 2005 up to 2021 that made me feel confident that I deserve to be on a ballot,” she said. “I put in the work, I studied, I learned and I continue learning even now, and all that helps me serve as a really good mayor and make the progress that you’ve seen in the four years.” 

Velazquez reflected on the election results, saying it was good to return to normal life after months of campaigning. 

“The election I knew was going to be a long shot, but I’m glad that I was able to forge some of the topics to the forefront,” he said. 

Velazquez thanked his voters, saying he received overwhelming support, thank-yous and congratulations.

“Although we didn’t get a lot of the vote out, the people that did support me, they’re all great people. I’m glad I was able to get the message they wanted out, too. … I’m glad I was able to do it for them and hopefully it’s not over,” he said.

In Perry, Mayor Randall Walker defeated Christopher Smith with 54% of the vote to become Mayor of Perry for another term. 

Walker described the race as extremely tough and commended his team for getting the job done. 

“Our team worked really really hard over the last 75 days,” he said. “We knew it was going to be a tough race, and to come out on top it was very rewarding for us and our team.” 

Walker also hosted a watch party for his team on the night of the election. 

“We had a group of people who worked very hard on our campaign and we felt like it was important to reward them and thank them for the efforts they put in,” he said. 

Walker thanked his supporters and constituents who supported him throughout the entire election process. 

“I am very humbled by the vote and that we were successful in the campaign, and we will work very very hard to continue to earn their trust,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Walker wants to continue to maintain the growth in the City of Perry as a key issue for some citizens, he mentioned. 

“I can assure you that the Mayor and council will be looking at how we manage that growth and making sure we are in a good position to protect the quality of life that everyone experiences here in Perry,” he said.

Walker’s opponent, Smith, was at his own watch party hosted at Main Street Bar.

Although the party was more low-key, Smith was excited to see the final numbers. Only 300 votes separated he and Walker.

“That means that at least my message resonated with a good bit of people. I had a lot of support… it means a lot that I was able to resonate with a lot of people like that,” Smith said.

The race was closer and cordial, according to Smith.

“It was a reflective of Perry as a whole, which is pretty nice. That’s something that people can be proud of. Here, even though we have differences of opinion, we carry on like neighbors,” Smith said.

Smith hopes his run will inspire more to run for public office. In the meantime, he encourages the public to be a voice for local change by attending and speaking at city council meetings.

“If you have an issue that really concerns you, or you have an expert opinion, please go to city council meetings, Smith said. “Our decision makers and our leaders may not know what’s going on in your life or in your part of the community. If you go tell them, then they can make more informed decisions.”

In other results, Perry City Council seats went to one incumbent and will welcome a newcomer. Darryl Albritton will keep his seat for District 3 Post 1, with 69% of the vote against challenger Eugene Triplet II.

Amy Fouse will take a seat on the council representing District 1 Post 1. She defeated incumbent council member Phyllis Bynum-Grace with 55% of the vote.

In Centerville, Council Post 3 went to Lisa Lowe, who defeated four other candidates with 60% of the vote.

Houston County voted overwhelmingly in favor of the E-SPLOST, with 77% of ballots saying “yes.”

Statewide, Public Service Commission posts 2 and 3 went to Democratic Candidates Alicia M. Johnson and Peter Hubbard. Both candidates recieved 63% of Georgia votes, according to the Secretary of State’s website.

Finally, Robert Jones ran unopposed for Perry Council District 2, Post 1; Derek Mack ran unopposed for Warner Robins Council Post 1; Keith Lauritsen ran unopposed for Warner Robins Council Post 3; Clifford Holmes ran unopposed for Warner Robins Council Post 5.