The Unthankful Business of Local Politics
A defeated council candidate walks away from a recount, declaring the office a thankless drain on his time.
Councilman J. Z. Smith, from the Second ward, will be allowed to retain his seat in the council without a contest. J. C. Scott, who was defeated by Mr. Smith by only four votes, this morning authorized the statement that there would be no contest as far as he was concerned. The office at the best is only a thankless one, he says, requiring much time, and as long as the returns showed Mr. Smith elected by four votes, Mr. Scott stated that he was satisfied. The rumor that Mr. Scott would file contest proceedings started through his asking a member of the council if in canvassing the returns the votes would be recounted. In canvassing the returns the totals are merely verified and the votes are not recounted. An incident of this nature gave the office of constable to U. O. Goodwin last fall, when it was conceded that Levi Malone had been elected by a majority of six votes. When the commissioners canvassed the returns, an error of ten in favor of Mr. Goodwin was discovered, which gave him the office. Mr. Scott's determination not to contest Mr. Smith's seat will probably end all discussion of this nature which has been rife since election day.
“The office at the best is only a thankless one, requiring much time.”
Local municipal elections often hinge on razor-thin margins and procedural quirks that can trigger calls for recounts. Scott's cynical take on the 'thankless' nature of council service reflects a persistent strain in local politics where the burden of governance frequently outweighs the personal appeal of the office.
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