Election night proved to be a roller coaster for many candidates vying for county office, including new county commissioner Rob Zapple, whose victory was announced only after votes from the last precinct propelled him into the top two spots.
Zapple, a Democrat, will join Republican Skip Watkins on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners along Woody White, Beth Dawson and Jonathan Barfield, Jr.
Zapple began the night in first place, but as votes trickled in from New Hanover County’s 43 precincts, Zapple fell to third place while Republican candidate Dr. Derrick Hickey rose through the ranks. Zapple and Hickey remained within a percentage point of one another, with Hickey in the lead, until Zapple acquired a 211 vote advantage with results from the final precinct.
“What an evening, but then we were victorious at the end,” Zapple said. “I ran the entire spectrum of emotions.”
Shy of midnight, Watkins broke the news of the narrow victory to an anxious Zapple. Both Watkins and Zapple called the experience special.
“I was glad I got to tell Rob before anybody else,” Watkins said.
“I respect him and admire him, and I look forward to working with him. That was a special delight, to have him say that, and what a great way to start a wonderful relationship,” Zapple said.
Democratic candidate Patricia Spear also remained at the county government center until the last ballot was tallied to congratulate Zapple.
Zapple and Watkins interpreted their election to the board as a sign that county voters want more bipartisan cooperation.
“The voters spoke and tonight, I believe it’s the people saying they want Democrats and Republicans to get together and work. It’s common sense at this level,” Watkins said.
Both commissioners outlined economic development and support for public education as big priorities moving forward. Watkins additionally mentioned modification of the special use permit process and crime prevention through partnerships with the city police department and sheriff’s office.
Zapple and Watkins attributed their success to name recognition earned from previous runs for local elected office. Watkins congratulated Spear on her first campaign and encouraged her to run again.
Spear said she is proud of her campaign and hopes name recognition from her 2014 race will boost her future prospects.
Hickey was unavailable for comment on election night.
Results of early voting, released as soon as polls closed at 7:30 p.m., showed Republican newcomer and former county manager Bruce Shell as the lead candidate, followed by Republican incumbent Janice Cavenaugh, Democrats Emma Saunders and Tom Gale, Republican incumbent Don Hayes, Democrat Chris Meek and Republican incumbent Ed Higgins last.
Asked to comment on early results, Higgins admitted his disappointment but said he hoped his odds would improve as votes from the precincts trickled in — and by the end of the night, it became clear he would return to his seat on the board. He admitted that his campaign might have been too low-key.
Longtime board members Cavenaugh, Hayes and Higgins will be joined by Shell on the school board. Higgins predicted Shell will be a good fit, but wondered if it might take time for Shell to get used to the board’s limited authority after more than five years as county manager.
“I think Bruce will be a good fit. I think it’s going to take him a couple years to understand the dynamics, because he’s used to being in charge. We’re not in charge. We are a policy-making body; we have a superintendent that’s in charge,” Higgins said.
The race for the next New Hanover County Sheriff was less suspenseful, with Democratic incumbent Ed McMahon emerging as the winner early in the night. He ultimately snagged 66 percent of the vote compared to Republican challenger Jason Vaughn’s 33 percent. He attributed his victory to the success of the sheriff’s office under his tenure.
“As far as law enforcement, we’re doing the right things. We just have to keep doing it,” McMahon said.
McMahon listed cooperation with the Wilmington Police Department and ongoing efforts to secure accreditation for the sheriff’s office through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) as two priorities he is excited to continue pursuing as sheriff.
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