Marconi retains JP Dist. 7 seat

Marconi retains JP Dist. 7 seat

Incumbent holds off challenge in runoff

ralphhardin@gmail.com The final race in the Crittenden County March 1 primaries has been settled.

Voters in Quorum Court District 7, which includes parts of West Memphis, as well as Anthonyville, Edmondson and Horseshoe Lake, headed back to the polls to decide a winner for the Quorum Court Justice of the Peace position in District 7 between incumbent Ronald Marconi and Kyle K. Watkins.

The runoff became necessary after Watkins outpolled the incumbent Marconi 128-127 on election night, with third candidate John Moore receiving 60 votes. Moore was off the ballot for the runoff.

In the runoff, turnout was light, with only 127 votes cast in the race. Ultimately, Marconi was able to amass enough support to hold off a strong challenge from Watkins, winning 74 to 52, with one provisional ballot that will not have any bearing on the outcome.

Of the six polling sites open for the runoff, Marconi won five precincts (West Memphis High School, West Memphis Civic Center, Anthonyville, Bonds Marina and Horseshoe Lake), while Watkins carried one (Edmondson).

The JP District 7 runoff

was the only race on the ballot. The Crittenden County Election Commission is expected

to meet next Tuesday evening at the Election Commission Office to certify

By Ralph Hardin