Randy Ervin brushes aside campaign inquiries, says to focus on mayor’s service

Ever since Newton Mayor Evelyn George announced last month that she would not be running for re-election, council member Randy Ervin has been asked if he will attempt another mayoral campaign. At the end of the city council meeting this past week, he set the record straight: He’s not sure yet.

“For those of you who don’t know — and, trust me, I know — Mayor (George) beat me by 13 votes,” Ervin said. “And I’m OK with that. I sent her a note that night and said thank you, a good campaign, we both supported each other. So I think the focus right now doesn’t need to be: ‘Is Randy running?’”

Instead, Ervin suggested people focus on the 12 years of service George had dedicated to city government. Prior to serving as mayor, George represented the Ward 2 seat on the city council from 2013 until 2017. She represented the at-large seat on the council from 2017 until 2023 when she ran for mayor.

The 2023 mayoral election was indeed decided by just over a dozen votes. George earned 911 votes to Ervin’s 898 votes, according to results from the county auditor’s office. Lonnie Appleby, who launched his second campaign for mayor after running as a write-in candidate in 2021, received 798 votes.

George told council members in July she would not be running for re-election this coming November in order to focus more of her time with family.

“Let’s thank her for what she has done,” Ervin said. “Let’s thank her for the steps she has taken to be a part of what she’s done for that many years for the city.”

Ervin noted his decision to run for mayor or not will be contemplated by himself and his wife over prayer. So, does he want to be mayor of Newton?

“Absolutely, but let’s not get in a hurry. Let’s take time to thank Evelyn for what she has done. And let’s also take time to realize that she earned that spot,” Ervin said, noting George served the council during difficult times. “…There were some challenging years there. New administrators. New challenges.”