Beam & Prestridge
In Mayoral Runoff

Shumate Wins Place 2
McNeese Wins Place 4

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Arab Municipal Election Results

Mayor

Candidate	Community Center	Recreation Center	Total	% Of Vote
Lee Cox	348	216	564	26%
Diane Prestridge	449	274	723	34%
Gary Beam	390	295	685	32%
Robert Kennedy	103	52	155	7%
Joann Hall	12	15	27	1%

Council Place 4

Candidate	Community Center	Recreation Center	Total	% Of Vote
Russ Elrod	525	415	940	44%
Chris McNeese	768	426	1194	56%

Council Place 2

Candidate	Community Center	Recreation Center	Total	% Of Vote
Ronny Shumate	914	616	1530	75%
Drew Woody	339	209	548	25%

August 26, 2008
The Arab mayoral race has been reduced from five to two candidates after Tuesday's election but Arab residents will have to wait six more weeks to find out who will be the next mayor.  Diane Prestridge led the field with Gary Beam just thirty-eight votes behind.  Prestridge collected 723 (33.5%) votes while Beam garnered 685 (32%)  .  They will face off in a run-off election on October 7.

Incumbent Mayor Frank Lee Cox placed third in the race with 564 (26%) votes.  Robert Kennedy was fourth with 155 (7%) votes and Joann Hall received 27 (1%) votes.

In the two contested council races, incumbent Russ Elrod was defeated by political newcomer Chris McNeese for the Place 4 Council Seat.  McNeese had 1,104 (56%) votes to Elrod's 940 (44%).  Incumbent Ronny Shumate defeated Drew Woody by an overwhelming majority.  Shumate had 1,530 (75%) votes to Woody's 548 (25%) votes.

Approximately 37% of the eligible Arab voters cast a ballot in the election.  Poll workers speculated the turnout may have been hampered by a steady rain which began around noon and continued throughout the afternoon.

Diane Prestridge who held a slim lead in the mayoral race, said she is very excited to have the lead with so many in the race.  "It was a tough race but all of the candidates were good people and I want to thank everyone for a clean campaign."  Prestridge said she plans to take a few days off and then begin the final six week push to the run-off date on October 7. 

Prestridge said she appreciates all of the support and encouragement and asks everyone to continue their support.  She said she will also be seeking the votes of those who supported the other candidates.  "I hope people who supported the other candidates will consider my qualifications before voting in the run-off," she added.  Calling Beam a friend, Prestridge said she is sure they will be able to continue a clean and open campaign.  She said she will be out trying to meet as many citizens as possible and is going to push for a "Public Forum" to be held sometime during the run-off period.  "I think it is important that the Arab voters be able to hear the candidates in a question and answer forum."

Gary Beam wants to thank all who voted for him, especially those who came out in the heavy rain. "I feel very, very, blessed to have received such great support." he added.   Beam offered his congratulations to Prestridge for leading the race and a well run campaign.

Beam said he will hit the ground running early Wednesday morning.  "I will be working very hard in the next few weeks and I look forward to meeting and talking with more people."  He added, "I would like to ask all who voted for the other candidates to come over to my side and help me win this run-off election."  Regarding a possible candidate forum, Beam said he would be willing and eager to participate if a program is organized.

Place 2 Councilman Ronny Shumate said he would like to thank all who supported him and especially all who got out in the bad weather to vote.  He also offered a special thanks to his wife and children who he said worked just as hard as he did and to the many relatives and friends who helped during the campaign.

"The election may be over, but the work is just about to start," Shumate said.  "We will have a new council and new mayor and a lot of things to try and accomplish for the citizens of Arab and the Arab area."  He encourages anyone with a question or suggestion to call or see him any time.

First time political candidate Chris McNeese said he is very excited about the outcome of the vote.  "It was a very good and close race and I have met so many good people during the campaign.  I can't wait to represent the citizens of Arab to the very best of my ability."   McNeese said he wanted to extend his thanks to his opponent for a good race.