'Nothing changed' as Jones bests Burns in city election

CLOVIS — George Jones is the new Clovis city commissioner for district 1, the result of a 208 to 205 vote victory over incumbent James Burns as certified by an official recount Wednesday.

“Nothing has changed,” City Clerk LeighAnn Melancon said after the ballot tabulator ran the district 1 ballots. Early and absentee ballots had been hand counted earlier and matched the count from Election Day, March 1.

The recount, mandated by state law due to the slim margin of victory, was overseen by Melancon and District Judge Ben Cross.

Members of the city’s recount board were also there: Edith Ann Bradley, Jeff McGough, Jan MacIntosh, Richard Masterson, Robin Montaño and Vincent Soule.

Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland was at the event in case she was needed as a consultant on the process.

“I’m glad the tally ended up to what the original vote was,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to working for the citizens.”

“I think Mr. Jones will do a very good job,” Burns said when contacted by phone. “He’s young, energetic and full of ideas.”

“I’m looking forward to the additional businesses he looks to bring to town,” Burns said.

Jones and other winners from March 1 election will take office on April 1.