By Arthur Foulkes
TERRE HAUTE — Democrats in Sullivan selected Ed Eble, a political newcomer, to become the town’s new mayor.
After three rounds of voting by four Democratic Party precinct committeemen Friday evening, none of the four candidates seeking the part-time mayor’s job received a majority of the votes.
A tie vote in the third round paved the way for Sullivan County Democratic Party chairwoman Lynn Hamilton to cast the deciding vote.
“I will vote my conscience. I will vote for the city of Sullivan. I cast my vote for Ed Eble,” Hamilton said.
Democrats in Sullivan were tasked with naming a new mayor after former Mayor Scott Biddle resigned earlier this month for personal reasons. City Council President Debbie Ayers served as acting mayor after Biddle stepped down in early June.
“I really thought it was time for someone who was of the people” to run for mayor, Eble said explaining why he decided to seek the mayor’s post. “I just wanted to make a difference.”
Hamilton gave the nod to Eble after a two-to-two vote between Eble and former City Council President Clint Lamb, who was also seeking the mayor’s position. Lamb received two votes in all three rounds of voting.
Also vying for the mayor’s job were Georgia Boles and Shannon Orman. Boles received one vote in each of the first two rounds of voting, as did Eble. Orman received no votes in the first round and had her name removed prior to the second round.
Eventually, chance played a part in Eble’s selection as mayor. Because he and Boles each received one vote in round two of the selection process, their names were written on separate pieces of paper and then placed in a small metal can. Sullivan attorney John Elmore then drew one name from the can. That name was Eble’s allowing him to continue to the third round in which he tied Lamb.
Boles, whose name was not drawn at random, had her name removed from the balloting for the third and final round of voting.
“I’m a pretty lucky person,” Eble said when asked about his unusual selection process.
After the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes and took place before a room full of about 35 people gathered in the Sullivan east side fire house, Lamb, despite his loss, said he will seek the mayor’s office again. Eble also said he plans to seek election when he finishes Biddle’s term in 18 months.
Eble, 44, is a 1983 graduate of Sullivan High School and a veteran of the first Gulf War and operation Desert Storm, in which he served in the Air Force. He is presently a master electrician and said one of his top priorities is to bring more projects to the town of Sullivan.
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
