It was a contentious election at times, however, Wesley Wright retained his seat on the Lakeland Board of Commissioners, while former city manager, Jim Atkinson, won the other available Commissioner seat.
Both Wright and Atkinson easily outgained Scott Carmicheal with Mr. Atkinson totaling 4,331 votes and Mr. Wright gaining 4,094 votes. Even though Mayor Mike Cunnigham and Commissioner Richard Gonzalas endorsed and supported Mr. Carmicheal for the position, he was only able to garner 3,122 votes. This was the second defeat for Mr. Carmichael who also lost in 2013 when he ran for mayor against Wyatt Bunker.
With the victory for Wright and Atkinson, voters sent a strong message they want to see Lakeland continue the strides made over the last 6 years where schools and smart development took center stage.
In an event held at IH Clubhouse Tuesday evening, Mr. Wright was tired but thankful in his remarks to supporters. After he thanked everyone, including supporters in person and online, he said, “during my tenure I’ve aspired to be accessible, proactive, business friendly, conservation minded and a Lakeland schools advocate. It was evident what citizens want in their leadership. It is my hope that we can move forward as one Lakeland with an understanding that we are all neighbors and the best is yet to come.”
Mr. Atkinson brings a wealth of information about Lakeland since he spent many years as both the city planner and city manager for Lakeland. He said it will be strange sitting on the platform at BOC meetings as a commissioner. “I’m use to having my back to the crowd, not looking at them” Mr. Atkinson joked. He finished by saying, “I’m honored to be selected to serve by our residents! I’ve felt good about my platform through the campaign, and I believe the results show that our voters agreed with the priorities that I described. Now it’s time to get to work and continue improving our great city!”
Swearing in for both candidates is expected to be held in December.
Lakeland School Board
There were also two seats available on the Lakeland School Board this election but the two incumbents, Jeremy Burnett and Michelle Childs ran unopposed for those seats.
Mrs. Childs was very happy with the results for all of the pro school candidates on Tuesday. She said, “I am honored to be elected and look forward to continuing to serve Lakeland.”
Mr. Burnett thanked his wife Rachel for supporting him and said the victory last evening was proof the community has solidified their support for Lakeland schools. Mr. Burnett said, “this vote showed support of the hard work our current and previous school board members have engaged in.” He finished by saying, “I look forward to working to put the finishing touches on our complete school system that has been a hard fought battle since the inception of the Lakeland School System.”
