Irons wins second term

Florence - Mayor Bobby Irons will return for another four-year term after voters overwhelmingly voted for him during Tuesday's municipal election.

"I'm pleased and excited about the confidence of our citizens," said Irons, who was met at city hall with a standing ovation from well wishers.

"I think it validates that this community has made a turnaround and they want the community to move forward," Irons said.

"I'll have a tremendous responsibility to live up to the expectations of the next four years," Irons said after he won 76 percent of the vote against opponents Scott Carrier and John Hargett.

Twenty nine percent of registered voters showed up at the polls.

Carrier, who received 21 percent of the vote, said, "The things I talked about during the campaign are still true about accountability and management of the city."

"The firemen, policemen and other city employees were all promised raises. I'm sure people will be interested in seeing what happens with that," Carrier said.

"Tomorrow's a brand new day; I'll be fine; we'll get them next time," Carrier said.

John Hargett, with 3 percent of the votes, said, "I will keep bringing up issues to the forefront in any forum I can - a political race is a pretty good place."

Hargett also explained, "Most voters vote on personality, and Mayor Irons is an extremely nice guy."

After the results came in, Irons met with Hargett at city hall and the two joked and talked.

Irons said that his number one priority for his next term is to expand on the base of manufacturing jobs and move into other areas.

"Now we can be a little more selective and go for more white- collar and high- tech jobs," he said.

He also said that in the upcoming term, accountability will be a high priority as well as continue fiscal responsibility in the administration without penalizing services.

The redevelopment of west Florence is also on his list of projects, including connecting the area with the newly constructed sportsplex.

"I will continue to work with the new congressman to get federal funds under way," Irons said of the possible opening up of the west Florence corridor.

"We need to put high priority on that - our future is in west Florence," Irons said.

He also said that highway infrastructure would be high on his list of priorities for the city.

As initial results came in, Irons and campaigners entered city hall to the chants of "Bobby! Bobby!" from a standing-room-only crowd that gave him a standing ovation.

Mayor Irons greeted the well wishers with smiles and handshakes.

Trevor Stokes can be reached at 740-5728 or trevor.stokes@TimesDaily.com.