DiMuzio unseats city schools’ Powell; Herring to join county school board

By FULLER ROYAL
Staff Writer

In an upset that surprised some observers, first-timer Jim DiMuzio unseated long-time Whiteville City Schools Board of Education member and chairman LaDeen Powell.

DiMuzio, a newcomer to politics, captured 50 percent of the at-large votes. Powell had 32 percent while another challenger, Dean Nealey, captured 18 percent.

Unopposed board members Carlton Prince and Dave Flowers kept their District 1 and District 2 seats respectively.

Three newcomers vied for the seat vacated by newly elected Columbus County Commissioner Ricky Bullard. Monte Herring secured that post with 43 percent of the votes. Mike Waddell had 34 percent of the vote while Esther Scott took the remaining 24 percent.

Bill Johnson defeated Challenger Linda Pollard with 66 percent of the votes to her 34 percent in the District 2 race. District 4 challenger Kevin Hood made a good showing with 44 percent of the votes, but lacked enough to oust incumbent Dale Ward, who captured 56 percent of the votes.

“This feels great,” DiMuzio said Wednesday. “I am very excited. What really makes me happy is that the people of this county agree that mediocrity is not okay. I think if the people believe their kids can do better then the battle is half won.”

DiMuzio said he was surprised by the margin of his win.

“I did not really expect 50 percent. I really thought it would be down to the wire,” he said. “A three-way race always benefits the incumbent.”

DiMuzio said he gives the credit to the people who supported his efforts.

“They campaigned hard and worked tirelessly to get people out to vote. It was like a small army.”

“It was a clean race,” Powell said. “I had some great people helping me. I want to thank them. They worked hard and supported me and voted for me, especially those who worked so hard in the rain yesterday.

“It was a grassroots effort and we just couldn’t pull it off,” said the 22-year veteran of the school board.

She said that she will find some way to work with the schools.

“I think I still have a lot of support from the school personnel and people in the community,” she said. “I had a lot of encouragement and phone calls today. It’s been encouraging to hear from people.”

Both new board members will take office in December.