| Subject: Peggy, what's the deal with the new 19 year-old mayor of Muskogee? |
Author:
Ed Tracey
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: Wed, May 14, 2008 2:27:15
Muskogee teen wins historic mayoral race
by: SUSAN HYLTON, Tulsa World; 5/14/2008 12:00 AM
MUSKOGEE — John Tyler Hammons, a 19-year-old college freshman, made mayoral history Tuesday night after handily defeating a three-time former mayor.
Nearly 70 percent of Muskogee's voters chose Hammons to become Muskogee's youngest mayor ever over Hershel McBride, 70. When the votes were tallied, Hammons came in with 3,703 votes compared to McBride's 1,616 votes, according to unofficial results.
"This is not about me anymore. It's about where Muskogee is going. It's about Muskogee, period," Hammons said at a watch party at Cowboy barbecue restaurant, where about 50 supporters gathered.
McBride called Hammons about 8:10 p.m. to tell the political newcomer he would support him. "I'm disappointed, but I'm not ashamed of my record," McBride said. "We had a lot of growth." McBride attributed his loss to a nationwide trend for change.
Hammons said he felt like he was able to connect with voters and show a clear distinction between himself and his opponent. Those who know him say they are not surprised by Hammons' success. "It's to be expected," said Chris Reese, a friend from elementary school. "I knew he would end up here. Ambition — he just wants it that bad."
Brian Doerner, Hammons' former government teacher at Muskogee High School, said his youth will be an asset. "He had the audacity to say that someday he'll be governor, and maybe president," Doerner said.
In high school, Hammons was president of Roughers Against Illegal Drugs and the Student Council. But even Hammons' father, Marshall Hammons, didn't think his son's political career would happen so soon. "I didn't know I was going to get on the ride so quickly," Marshall Hammons said.
About 7:52 p.m., Hammons' father announced that it was mathematically impossible for his son to lose the election.
The crowd roared with approval, and Hammons was swept into a bear hug by campaign manager Jordan Stevens, the 27-year-old mayor of Oktaha.
Hammons is a full-time political science and public administration major at the University of Oklahoma, and a 2007 graduate of Muskogee High School. He said he would transfer to Northeastern State University at Tahlequah if he won.
Hammons succeeds Wren Stratton, who chose not to seek another term as mayor.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 