Two new faces elected to Weatherford council

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Heidi Wilder was elected to Weatherford City Council, along with Jeff Robinson. The two beat out incumbents Jerry Clinton and Eric Matthews. CRYSTAL BROWN/DEMOCRAT PHOTO

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May 16, 2011

Two new faces elected to Weatherford council

Crystal Brown CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Mon May 16, 2011, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Crystal Brown

cbrown@weatherforddemocrat.com

Two new council members were selected to serve on Weatherford City Council Saturday.

Incumbents Jerry Clinton and Eric Matthews both lost their re-election bids to challengers Heidi Wilder and Jeff Robinson.

Early voting had both Wilder and Robinson with well over 50 percent of the votes, a lead they were able to retain when the final numbers came in.

Wilder garnered 728 votes to Clinton’s 507 taking 58.95 percent of the final vote.

Robinson received 716 votes, 56.87 percent of the vote, while Matthews took 481 and challenger Darwin Yeary had 62.

Wilder will now occupy Place 1 and must resign her position on the Weatherford Municipal Utility Board where she has served for about three years.

“I’m in shock,” Wilder said after receiving the totals.

Shaking with disbelief, she expressed a deep thankfulness for all the residents who voted and voted for her.

“I’ve had such a great experience meeting all the new people,” Wilder said. “It’s just been wonderful. I’m ready to serve.

“My door will always be open to every citizen in the City of Weatherford. It’s been an outstanding experience. I hope I can do the job that is expected of me. I will give 100 percent.”

Robinson, a former council member in Hudson Oaks, will take over Place 2 previously occupied by Matthews who won the vacant seat for six months following a November special election.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with all the support for the community,” Robinson said. “I’ve had so much help, and it’s a great feeling. I’ve worked hard the past two months and it’s good to see it pay off.

“I’m excited. Now I’m going to give 100 percent to the citizens of Weatherford.”

Mayor Dennis Hooks was present at the results and was welcoming to the new council members.

“I know we’ve had a light turnout, but those who turned out voted their conscience,” he said. “I thank those outgoing council members for all the service they’ve done, and I welcome the two new ones. We’ll all work together for the best of the city.”

About 1,250 Weatherford residents cast their vote in the election. The Weatherford College election received the most voter turnout with 2,525 votes cast in the contested race for Place 7. Luke Haynes won that seat over Jack DeShazo, 1,423 votes to 1,102 votes.

Parker County Republican Party Chairwoman Zan Prince thanked all those who voted, but hopes to see more out participating in the next election.

“Thank you to every person who took time out of their family, their business and their busy schedule to go to the polls and vote for the candidate of their choice,” Prince said. “Hopefully there will be more of their friends and neighbors voting in the next election. A very small minority decided for the whole today. Their vote and their voice matters, and it’s important.”