Cole walked away with more District 1 votes — 622 to Kyle’s 548 — but he only won two of its four precincts.

Well, glad to see that Billys influence was not felt this time.

Note: American Legion & T.C. Almon are in district #3.

Let’s get to the heart of the matter of 2008 vs. 2012. Voters in all districts have learned some things since Billy Jackson played kingmaker with the aid of The Decatur Daily. In ’08 he [they] endorsed and backed Don Stanford. Stanford was then, and is now not a bad man. But, he was then not particularly qualified or up to the office as proved out immediately after he was sworn in. In ’08 Jackson’s backing netted Stanford the 710 vote margin which overcame, by 319 votes, Kyle wining in all four remaining districts. Mr. Jackson succeeded in removing Don Kyle from office. Tuesday Mr. Jackson ran a replay of ’08 and learned his power has diminished. Some reasons for this are, Kyle and Cole met face to face, and spoke with the ADC board. Kyle was edged out on the endorsement vote 9 to 8. Still, this represents almost 50% support. Leading up to the runoff Don Kyle held 10 townhall meetings around town in all districts. The 1st District meeting was excellent, probably the best one, in that there was energetic participation from the voters and a lot of very insightful questions and ideas brought out. Many learned Don Kyle was not what he was previously represented to be by Mr. Jackson and the Daily. Come November, Mayor Kyle will renew his leading Decatur into the future. One main difference we will find is that Don Kyle will be more mindful, enfolding all five districts into the plan, marching forward, energized by vision and citizen leadership coming from in all five districts. We will be well served to turn away from outdated divisions of the past and come together as a community, a city, working together for all of our futures.

another reason was that District 1 didn't have a councilman vote in the run-off. so there wasn't as much incentive for them to go back to the polls as opposed to someone in District 5, which was in the southwest and heavily promoted Kyle.

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This election reminds me of when Bob Harpe ran for mayor. the southwest mostly supported him and the southeast mostly supported his opponent.

Congrats Don!