The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

June 3, 2009

Incumbents sweep Ronceverte election

By Tina Alvey

RONCEVERTE — Incumbents were swept back into office with little opposition in the River City’s election on Tuesday.

Mayor Gail White, Recorder Jan Johnson and Councilman Bob Baker, who ran for a two-year council term, were all unopposed in their bids for re-election.

Incumbent Councilwoman Barbara Morgan also won, garnering 46 votes in a four-person race for two council seats, both for four-year terms. Newcomer Shawn Honaker got the nod for the other council slot, left open when Councilwoman Christi Boothe decided not to seek re-election. Honaker garnered 45 votes to 19 for Brandon Black and 14 for former Councilwoman Beverly Boswell.

The 34-year-old Honaker is a native of Greenbrier County, born and raised in Caldwell. He and his family — wife Rachel and their two children — moved to Ronceverte about 2 1/2 years ago. He is employed at Mountain State Computers in Fairlea.

Asked why he decided to seek public office, Honaker said, “The only way to make change is to get up and do it.”

City voters also overwhelmingly supported the continuation of a pair of excess levies for another five years. The cemetery levy, which raises approximately $20,000 a year, was approved on a 47-22 vote. The street levy, which nets around $40,000 annually, passed 46-21.

— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com

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