Tew says he will not challenge for Allen Council seat
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on August 12, 2012 1:50 AM
Write-in challenger Jerome Tew said he will not be taking an appeal to the state Board of Elections Friday, meaning the final member of the Goldsboro City Council can now be sworn in.
Tew put together a late campaign to challenge for the seat of incumbent District 5 Councilman Chuck Allen in the weeks leading up to the July 17 election, but lost by two votes, allowing Allen to serve for his fourth consecutive term.
Tew said following the election that he was happy with his result, particularly since his name didn't appear on the ballot and he spent very little money on the campaign.
The Wayne County Republican Party issued postcards on Tew's behalf during the leadup to the non-partisan election and was active at polling stations attempting to convince voters to cast their ballots for the write-in.
Allen survived by three votes, initially, but a recount during the Wayne County Board of Elections canvass reduced the margin to two.
Tew filed a protest of the election results, pointing out a number of instances where votes may not have been counted, but the local board voted 2-1 to deny him a hearing, citing insufficient evidence.
Upon receiving the order, Tew had 24 hours to file an appeal to the state, but said he decided against it.
"I think the odds are stacked against me so I won't be pursuing it," he said.
Allen remained in his seat at the City Council meeting Aug. 6 while his fellow council members were sworn in. Since the results could still be questioned, he said he wanted to wait.
The swearing in ceremony for Allen is expected to occur at the Aug. 20 meeting.