New aldermen sweep Selmer’s election results
SELMER, Tenn. — Three new aldermen will take leadership in Selmer at the beginning of 2016. Nicky Atkins, John Austin and J.T. Hawkins won three of the seats by beating some of the incumbent aldermen. Many local voters said they were ready for a change. “I’m excited for the new leadership coming to Selmer,” Nicky Atkins said. Voters said there are several issues they hope the men will confront. One of the changes the community will now be facing is what comes next after passing a liquor referendum. Liquor by the drink in restaurants will now be legal, and liquor stores are now allowed to be built. “From a business perspective, certainly there’s going to be an influx of new tax dollars in the community. I think that will be good from that perspective,” Russell Ingle said. There’s also a proud family behind Atkins. “It’s awesome to be able to fulfill his dreams,” said Brenda Snider, Atkins’ mother. For this new alderman, his first day in office, Jan. 1, couldn’t come soon enough. “I’m very humbled and willing to give citizens of Selmer 110 percent of everything I’ve got in me,” Atkins said. Selmer Mayor John Smith said he is looking forward to working with the new aldermen and said he is now working on city ordinances after the passing of the liquor referendum.
