James Perkins Jr. will get a third chance at the helm of Selma after winning the mayor’s seat in Tuesday’s runoff election.
Perkins beat Miah Jackson, Ward 3 councilwoman, with almost twice the votes. His win was significant enough for him to give an acceptance speech on Facebook when several boxes were still not announced. Jackson conceded at about 8:30 p.m.
In Perkins' victory speech made to supporters in the parking lot at Selma Mall, he said he has already made arrangements to meet with current Mayor Darrio Melton, who did not run for reelection.
"We are going to have to figure out what we need to do in an environment we have never experienced before. Never," Perkins said.
Perkins served two terms as mayor from 2000 to 2008. Selma has had two mayors since then, former Mayor George Evans and one-term Melton.
Perkins ran on a platform of experience in office and promised to get a balanced budget approved by the city council and ensure all revenue due to the city is collected.
Jackson served as council representative for Ward 3 for one term.Â
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