Trulock celebrates, Palmer talks election
Troy Trulock gives an acceptance speech after winning the mayoral election at Famous Joe's Pizzeria on County Line Road.
Troy Trulock supporters filled Famous Joe’s Pizzaria Tuesday night to congratulate him on being elected as the mayor of Madison.
Trulock received 79 percent of the votes, with 5,498 votes. Don Palmer received 1,454 votes.
“I love the support tonight,” said Trulock at his victory party. He said as was honored and blessed to have hundreds of supporters came out to celebrate with him at Famous Joe’s.
“They chose me as the mayor because they believe that our mayor and city council have put the right plan in place and have the right vision,” said Trulock. “I plan to take that plan and take it to the next level.”
On Nov. 5 Trulock will take over as mayor for Paul Finley. Trulock said in the coming weeks he will work closely with Finley and the City Council to ensure a “very smooth transition.”
Don Palmer talked with his supporters in downtown Madison at Bandito Burrito after voting ended. Palmer said he called Trulock after learning of his win and congratulated him.
“Things went as expected because I came in late in the race,” said Palmer. He (Trulock) had a five months advantage over me and a very dynamic campaign.”
Palmer knew he was the underdog. “It was an uphill battle on my side,” said Palmer. “I knew that, but I was willing to keep it going. I think it’s good for the community to have a divergence of opinions, attitudes, presentations of how the city should be. … I feel I made a difference in that way. People could see where the issues are.”
Since he was not elected as mayor, Palmer said he would like to assist on projects that would “advance the city in a positive way. … I would be interested in helping to find ways to build the volume of dollars, if you will, to pay for the schools, the roads, infrastructure, parks and recreation.”
Palmer was disappointed in the low turnout at the polls. “People just aren’t tuned in, and that’s terrible. That’s bad for the community.”
He thinks voter turnout would improve if city officials, especially the City Council, were more involved in the daily life of the community. “The mayor, for example, needs to be out there walking in schools, talking to people (and) businesses,” Palmer said.
