Freeman’s one vote win bucks trend of incumbent victories

Last Tuesday was a good day for incumbents in the City of Russellville, as five of the six elected officials retained their positions for another four years.

Mayor David Grissom, District One Councilman David Palmer, District Two Councilman Darren Woodruff, District Three Councilman Gary Cummings and District Five Councilman Jamie Harris won reelection.

Lonnie Freeman, who defeated District Four Councilman Dexter Hamilton by one vote, was the lone challenger to win. Both received 83 votes on Tuesday, but Freeman won the absentee vote 5-4 to seal the upset.

After 45 years of serving as a poll worker, Freeman finally became a candidate, something he always had an interest in, but his lifelong friendship with former Russellville District Four City Councilman Jerry Groce, who served four terms in office, kept him from jumping in.

Freeman and Groce were fraternity brothers and talked about their mutual interest in running for office, but Freeman never considered running against his neighbor and friend.

“I decided it was the right time to give it a shot and see what I could do,” Freeman said. “I love Russellville and love the people here so having the opportunity to serve them is a blessing.”

Freeman retired in 2004 from a career with the Franklin County Department of Human Resources, where he was a social worker in Adult Protective Services. The 71-year-old Freeman serves as Pastor at Emmanuel Christ Center in Leighton, a non-denominational  church he started in 1990.

Freeman’s campaign strategy was simple—to focus on his ideas and visions for Russellville when he visited with District Four residents, while avoiding any mudslinging,

“I made up my mind win, lose or draw, I would not say or do anything negative and not say anything negative about my opponent,” Freeman said, acknowledging Hamilton’s clean campaign as well.

Freeman is excited about working together with the mayor and his fellow council members, but he won’t forget it was the voters of District Four who elected him. As their councilman, Freeman wants to make sure his district is fairly represented when it comes to funding and representation on city boards, something he believes needs improvement.

“I’m definitely a team player, if you’re eating off the table, I want to eat too,” Freeman said, referring to city spending. “I tried to knock on every door. I didn’t get them all but I got most.  And I will work to make sure they are fairly represented in city government.”

The Russellville City Council will meet Tuesday, September 2nd to officially canvass the election. All newly elected municipal officials will take office on Monday, November 3rd at an organizational council meeting.