<< Back 10/16/02 Roberts cleared to run by election board By Scott McLeod Macon County’s local election is once again in the news — for reasons other than a discussion of candidates’ views. The county board of elections held a special hearing Oct. 11 and cleared Norman Roberts’ candidacy as a Republican trying to win a seat in District II of the commissioners’ race. Roberts’ residency had been challenged by fellow Republican Sam Fiske, who said the candidate did not meet the legal requirements to be elected from the district. Like many counties, candidates in Macon’s commissioners’ race must live in a certain district but are voted on by the entire county. In this case, Fiske said Roberts’ residency at 109 Riverwood Dr. was “no legitimate residence.” According to the challenge, the home was under construction during the primary and again during the September primary. Fiske’s challenge contended that Roberts had not secured a certificate of occupancy for the home in Stone Creek Crossing within 30 days of the general election. However, after more than an hour of testimony from Fiske and Roberts, the board of elections voted to keep Roberts on the ballot. Roberts said he received his certificate of occupancy Oct. 7. “The people have spoken. They have elected two candidates to represent them in the general election,” said Roberts in a prepared statement. “A small clique has taken it upon themselves to try and thwart the will of the electorate. Thankfully, their devious plans and schemes have been overturned by the Macon County Board of Elections.” Roberts and Mickey Duvall emerged victorious after a hard-fought Republican primary that saw incumbent board chairman Harold Corbin and former commissioner Jim Davis lose. At a party function after the election, Davis criticized actions by county Republican Chairman J.B. Coram, who is running for a seat against incumbent Democrat Allen “Ricky” Bryson. Coram and Roberts have strongly criticized the county administration, claiming it is corrupt. The dispute within the Republican Party over the county’s administration has forced many in the county to take sides. For his part, Roberts said the delay in getting his certificate of occupancy and the challenge before the board of elections was part of a plan. “I have information that the whole thing was planned months in advance,” said Roberts. The county manager has vigorously denied those allegations, and no proof has been presented. In addition to the problems within the Republican Party, a Democratic candidate had to drop out of the race because he was found to be in violation of the Hatch Act. Bob Scott, who works for the sheriff’s department, had to return all contributions after an anonymous complaint was lodged with the federal authorities who investigate Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act was passed by Congress in 1939 and limits state employees and local government employees who are connected with programs financed in whole or part by federal loans or grants from running in partisan political elections. Scott’s work for the Macon County Sheriff’s department includes grant writing, and he is project director for at least one program that is funded by a federal grant. Two candidates for sheriff were allowed to remain in the race but were forced to take different jobs in order to remain as candidates. Fiske can appeal the election board’s decision.