Williams wins Ward War 2

The Ash Grove Board of Aldermen has determined its Ward 2 leadership after a multiple-week wait and unlikely circumstances. Ward 2 incumbent alderman Ronessa Williams saw her name drawn out of a hat—to beat challenger Troy Watts—solidifying her position for the next two years.

The board of aldermen meeting began in historic fashion on April 21, with the Ward 2 seat decided by a game of chance. To Ash Grove City Clerk Melissa Mau’s knowledge, this is the first time such a measure has been taken in the city’s history.

The tie-breaker was decided upon as an unusual remedy to an unusual situation. The two candidates tied with a scant 17 votes apiece in the April 7 election. The next step in the process dictates that a recount be requested of Greene County. The county issued that the votes had been recounted and that the original 50-50 split was upheld. Normally, the next step in the process would be a runoff, where citizens would once again cast their votes in a special election.

This election would not be easy to put on, however. According to estimates from Mau, a runoff would have cost the city anywhere from about $12,000 to $17,000 of taxpayer money, an outcome that neither candidate desired. It was decided that the city would take the other avenue, a game of chance.

As for what that game would be, the city had a few choices from a coin-toss to a drawing of straws but eventually settled on drawing names from a hat.

The two names were folded and placed into a hat, which was presented to Mayor Caleb Smith. Smith drew the name and read “Ronessa Williams” from the slip. Troy Watts was in the audience at the meeting and witnessed as Williams delivered a statement to attendees and local media outlets.

“I’ve lived here for 20 years [and] I really care about [Ash Grove]; it’s a great town, and I plan on staying here for the duration of my life as far as I can tell,” said Williams.

Watts also delivered a statement to the Commonwealth after the meeting ended.

“It did not make sense for the city to be out $17,000 or whatever it is just to elect one person; that makes absolutely no sense,” said Watts. “I have nothing against [Ronessa] whatsoever; she’s lived here a long time, and she’s invested and interested in the city.”

Watts also said that he’s considered running again in the next election, but he is still unsure.

“We’ll see; [I’ve heard] a lot of complaints,” said Watts. “So, you know, we’ll just see what happens over the next years.”