Published: November 03, 2009 09:44 pm      

Martin wins big in Chatsworth

CHATSWORTH — Political newcomer Celeste Harrison Martin said a “personal touch” helped her overwhelmingly defeat veteran Chatsworth councilwoman Margaret Adams and first-time candidate Michael Ray by more than a 4 to 1 margin on Tuesday.

Martin got 226 votes, while Ray finished with 56 votes and Adams — the Post 1 representative since 1973 — trailed with 41 votes.

“I think voters were looking for a change,” said Martin, the valedictorian of the 1992 graduating class of Murray County High School who teaches at Brookwood Elementary in Dalton. “As I campaigned I employed a personal touch that impacted people. I had personal conversations and personal support. I talked to hundreds of people. I’m humbly grateful for everyone who took the time to vote for me and help me in so many ways. I feel a sense of confidence that the community is ready to experience positive change, and I view this as an awesome responsibility that voters have entrusted me with ... I want to do research and meet other council members and the mayor and have a vision for the future.”

Adams was gracious in defeat.

“People don’t surprise me when they vote,” she reflected. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve always believed you should do the best you can. It’s OK, I guess it doesn’t bother me.”

Ray did not immediately return a phone call Tuesday evening.

Wayne Graves, who served on the council “sometime in the (19)70s,” he said, ran unopposed for the Post 2 seat and received 253 votes. Ken Wilburn, who currently holds the seat, did not run for re-election.

“I retired in December from 43 years as a credit financial analyst with the carpet and chemical industry, and I have time to do it now,” Graves said in explaining his decision to run again. “I’d like to give a little back to the community if I can, and will probably be involved in the financial and budget part of it. Some people asked me, ‘What are you promising?’ I told them I’ll work my tail off to bring more industry and jobs. I’ve worked with large companies all over the world, and I’m not bashful to talk to (industry) people and look forward to that opportunity.”