Opp gets all-new council

Voters in Opp spoke for change, and made history in the process Tuesday.

Opp native and business owner Becky Bracke soundly defeated incumbent Mayor John Bartholomew 1,096 votes to 891.

Bracke becomes Opp’s first woman mayor – something Bracke said she’s never really thought about.

“I’ve always wanted to run for office,” she said. “I’ve never thought of the mayor’s office as a man or woman thing, but I’m very glad to make history.”

Winning the election is something she said she was excited about.

“I am overwhelmed,” she said. “I’m so excited and very humbled that the majority of the voters voted for me to be their leader. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

Bracke told the Star-News one of her main goals as mayor is to improve the job opportunities. She has also pledged to communicate with the people of Opp and to be transparent.

Bartholomew, who was first elected four years ago, said Tuesday night that he called Bracke to congratulate her.

“I congratulated Becky and I told her I would help make her transition very easy,” he said. “My transition wasn’t easy and I wouldn’t want what happened to me to happen to her. I wanted to make sure she has a smooth transition. “

Bartholomew praised Bracke for being a good opponent.

“The people made the choice,” he said. “And I respect that. I think people know what I have accomplished in the last four years and it’s now it’s time to pass the wand.”

What’s next for Bartholomew?

“God always shuts a door and opens another door for me,” he said. I am a faith man. I thank God first and Jesus Christ as my savior.”

Bracke will work with an all-new council, as well.

“It’s a clean slate of council members,” she said. “I congratulate all the winners and I look forward to working with the winners.”

In District 1, Chad Jackson defeated incumbent Bobby Ray Owens 191 to 170.

In District 2, Charlotte Hunt defeated Jimmy Rogers 193 to 128

In District 4, LaVaughn Hines defeated incumbent Mary Brundidge 217 to 120.

In the August election, Gary Strickland defeated incumbent Mike Booth in the District 3 race and Skip Spurlin defeated incumbent Arlin Davis in District 5.