Voters in Rome City and Floyd County turned out Tuesday to decide several key local races and ballot measures, with results showing a competitive finish in the Rome City Commission Ward 2 race and mixed outcomes on local referendums.
With all 7 precincts reporting, newcomer Jill Fisher emerged as the top vote-getter in the Ward 2 race, earning 21.97% (2,422 votes). She was followed closely by incumbents Elaina Beeman with 21.45% (2,364 votes) and Vic Hixon with 20.21% (2,227 votes) — rounding out the top three finishers in the “vote for three” contest.
Incumbent’s Jamie Doss came in fourth with 19.20% (2,116 votes), while Randy Quick, also an incumbent, finshed in last place with 17.17% (1,893 votes). ending both of their tenures on the commission..
Board of Education Race
In the Rome Board of Education contest — where voters could select up to seven candidates — Faith Collins (I) led the pack with 12.38% (2,616 votes), followed by Brenda Boyd at 12.05% (2,546) and Toni Blanchard (I) with 11.85% (2,505). Other top finishers include Will Byington (I) and Alvin Jackson, Sr. (I), both at 11.77%, and Pascha N. Burge (I) with 11.52%. Also, getting a seat on the board is Marquita L. Davis who captured 11.13%.
Karl L. Gyden and Ron Roach rounded out the field and failed to get elected with 8.45% and 9.08%, respectively.
Ballot Referendums
Voters narrowly rejected the proposed extension of the Floyd County Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), with 51.88% (6,457 votes) opposing and 48.12% (5,989 votes) in favor.
In contrast, voters approved two alcohol-related referendums:
- Sale of Distilled Spirits by the Glass: Passed with 62.86% (7,783 votes) in favor.
- Sunday Sales of Alcohol: Approved by 57.40% (7,121 votes) of voters.
These approvals will allow local establishments to expand alcohol sales — including cocktails and Sunday service — a move supported by many in Rome’s hospitality industry.
