ROGERSVILLE — Change and new ideas appear to be the motive behind runoff election results in Rogersville.

Two of three contested council places went to political-newcomers Colby Tucker and Danny L. Jones. One incumbent, Jim Landers, won a second term in office.

Those three will join Jonathan Newton and former mayor James Hagood on the council. Newton and Hagood defeated incumbent council members in the August election.

They will join two-time Rogersville Mayor Richard Herston on the council.

Tucker defeated incumbent Cory Garrett 181 to 158 to secure the Place 2 council seat.

Landers defeated Bill Maloney 197-142 in the Place 1 race and Jones defeated incumbent Place 3 council member Anita Roberson 188-159.

“I went in with the attitude of whatever happened would happen,” said Tucker, 19, who won the Place 2 seat. “I was glad the people overlooked my age and will allow me to be a part of the council.”

Tucker said he believes the vote is an indication that Rogersville residents are looking for “new ideas” and “new energy”.

“The people spoke for themselves,” Tucker said. “I have a lot of ideas and I want to work with the council to make Rogersville a better place.

“I want to get people in the community involved and working with the council so the town can grow.”

Landers, the only incumbent to earn another term in office, said his win was humbling.

“I feel like I have done a good job and I think this vote proves that the people believe so, too,” he said. “I think they appreciate someone who speaks out and doesn’t just go along with the crowd.

“The people who voted for me will never know how much I appreciate their confidence in me and their support.”

Jones said he worked hard for the last six weeks, going door to door.

“If there was a door in town I didn’t knock on it was because I wasn’t looking for it or a dog ran me off,” Jones said, laughing. “But I knew if I was to have a chance against Mrs. Roberson that’s what it would take. Honestly, I never dreamed I would beat her. I love her to death and I’m going to do my best and try to make her proud of me.

“I think it’s obvious (the residents) have spoken and I’ve got the message and I’m ready to go to work for the people of Rogersville. I think the citizens believe the town can be doing more and I’m ready to work with the council to make that happen.”

Landers said the new council has a lot of potential.

“I believe we can have a good council, and work together for the common goal of the town,” Landers said.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.

Election results

Rogersville Council

Place 1

• Jim Landers 197 58.1%

• Bill Maloney 142 41.9%

Place 2

• Cory Garrett 158 46.6%

• Colby Tucker 181 53.4%

Place 3

• Danny L. Jones 188 54.2%

• Anita Roberson 159 45.8%