Voters in Sneads return Lewis

SNEADS — Sneads residents voted to keep the status quo with the city council, re-electing council President Greg Lewis Tuesday.

“The people have spoken and given me a vote of confidence,” Lewis said when the unofficial results were announced.

Lewis beat political newcomer Patricia Cox. About 15 percent of Sneads registered voters cast ballots for the city council Seat Five race. Lewis received 143 votes, and Cox received 71.

Lewis has been a member of the council since 2004 and has served as president of the council for the past year. Lewis is also the president of the East Jackson County Economic Development Council and member of the Jackson County Tourism Development Council.

“I have a voice countywide,” said Lewis.

During his tenure, Lewis has secured various grants for the city, including funds for storm water and recreation projects.

“We have a new baseball field and skate park on the way,” Lewis said.

Cox, a mother of three and paraprofessional at Sneads Elementary, ran against Lewis on the platform of change. Cox said the council had stopped listening to residents.

“People stopped coming to meetings because they feel that their voices aren’t being heard,” said Cox.

Cox also said she ran because of the recent increase in sewer fees and the possible changes to Sneads recreation fees.

“In these hard economic times people can’t afford these increases,” Cox said.

Lewis said the council was forced to raise sewer fees, which he said are still comparable to those imposed by other municipalities, in order to maintain fiscal responsibility.

“We had tapped into reserves prior years in order not to raise fees, but there were no more reserves,” Lewis said. “Raising the rates was not a popular decision, but it was the only one to make.“
In the end, Lewis believes that his experience and his community activism propelled him to victory.

“I ran on my record and am thankful that the voters approved,” Lewis said. “I want to keep working hard and listening to the residents.  I will always be available to them.“