Bessemer municipal election results on hold because of technical issue
Bessemer municipal election results were delayed Tuesday night because of an IT issue, leaving several races unresolved.
The only numbers available Tuesday night were absentee vote totals. Officials were still waiting for the issue to be fixed, and results were expected to be posted Wednesday.
Among the races still unsettled was the mayoral contest, where four candidates were seeking the office. Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley and Louise Alexander both said they believe they are headed to a runoff, though official results had not been posted.
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For the first time since taking office 16 years ago, Gulley did not win on election night. He also had not lost the race as officials worked to resolve the technical problems.
Gulley is seeking a fifth term as mayor, and this would be his first runoff. He described this year’s campaign as the nastiest and cruelest election he has been a part of.
The race comes amid controversy surrounding the Project Marvel data center development. Gulley has faced criticism for signing a nondisclosure agreement, with some calling for more transparency surrounding the project.
Despite the controversy, Gulley said he remains confident that bringing the data center to Bessemer was the right decision.
“It was a hot button item. It was a very hot button of item. But I feel confident that we made the right decision when we start talking about a $15 to $20 billion impact to the state of Alabama,” Gulley said. “I'm confident that I made the right decision. We'll get out there. We'll get our message out. We'll let some more people know that we'll do what we have to do.”
On the other side of the potential runoff is Louise Alexander, who said Bessemer has been overlooked for a long time and that she believes she can help change that.
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Alexander said she wants to address potholes, dilapidated homes and overgrown lots. She said her goal is to put more focus on the community and its residents because she does not believe that focus is there now.
She also pointed to Project Marvel as an example of that concern, saying it is an example of why she believes residents should have more of a voice in city decisions.
“The way it was handled, it was handled wrong,” Alexander said. “Anytime you bring something like that to the city of Bessemer, allow the citizens of the city to be involved upfront.”
She said that under her administration, she would make citizen involvement a priority and work to ensure residents have a voice and are heard.
If the race goes to a runoff, voters will return to the polls Sept. 22.