MOORE — Robert Krows was re-elected Tuesday with 74.9 percent of the vote for the Ward 1 Moore city council seat. Ward 2 and Ward 3 were noncompetitive races, with Jason Blair returning unopposed for Ward 3 and Scott Singer as the only filer for the Ward 2 seat replacing Kathy Griffith.
The Rose State College special election passed 64.4 to 35.6 percent, with only two Cleveland County precincts — 140078 and 140087 — participating in the question.
The bond issue for Rose State College was for $21.9 million in renovation and repair projects. Large projects included in the bond issue were the expansion and renovation of the library, repair of the swimming pool and upgrades in equipment. The most recent renovation to the library was an expansion in 1981. Since that time, growth of the school has created crowding difficulties in the facility.
One expected improvement in the proposal is an auditorium to be used as a lecture hall associated with the library. Officials expect the bond to raise property taxes for those families affected by $3.34 per month for a $200,000 home.
Voting in Ward 1 of Moore was surprisingly light Tuesday for the only competitive city council race between Krows, Carl Britton Jr. and Eric Beu. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and by 5:30 p.m., the two precincts — which vote at Providence Church on South Broadway — had only been visited by 67 voters and three voters, respectively.
With only 307 total votes cast, Krows received 230, more than double the total of the other two candidates combined.
Britton was magnanimous in defeat Tuesday night when asked about his feelings on the race.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr. Krows. The race was very well done, Krows is well respected in this community and the people came out and showed their support for him. The only thing I’m disappointed about is the fact there are 18,000 people in this ward and just over 300 voted. That’s a little disappointing,” Britton said.
Beu also was disappointed in the low voter turnout, explaining that the 307 votes cast constitutes less than 2 percent of residents living in Ward 1.
“It’s a little sad. I’m not saying the outcome would have been any different had there been more voters. I’m just a little disappointed in the low turnout,” Beu said.
Beu continued by talking about his conversation with both Krows and Britton following the final returns on the election.
“I called them both and thanked them for a good race and congratulated Mr. Krows on winning the election. I look forward to Mr. Krows’ third term as city councilman,” he said.
Robert Krows was in high spirits following his win.
“We are impressed with the numbers. It’s nice any time you get 75 percent of the vote. It just goes to show the people are happy with their representation and they think the city is moving in the right direction,” Krows said.
When asked his perspective on the low turnout, Krows had a realistic view.
“It’s about what we figured. The voters just went through a presidential election and then a big bond issue and now a city council election with only one ward. So, the small turnout is no surprise,” he said.
Krows also was impressed with the respectful tone of the race and expressed appreciation for his opponents’ desire to serve the people of Moore.
“I’m always impressed with anyone who wants to serve on the city council. It’s a lot of time to spend for almost no money, so anyone who wants to devote their time to the people of their community is impressive,” he said.
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