Recount Doesn't Change Results in Andrews County Bond Election

May 14, 2009

By Camaron Abundes
NewsWest 9

ANDREWS- Three votes still stand between a win and a loss in Andrews County. Election officials recounted early voting ballots plus the ballots from all four precincts in Andrews County before announcing the numbers didn't change.

Representatives from Waste Control Specialists and "No Bonds for Billionaires" backed by the Seed Coalition sat in at the Courthouse Annex and watched as ballots were hand counted.

"It's just a slow, slow process," Tom Jones, III with WCS said nearly three hours after the recount started.

The cheering crowd present on Saturday was long gone at Thursday's recount at the Courthouse Annex.

"We're tired, it's not really a disappointment, we figured the results might stay the same," Melodye Pryor said.

County Judge Richard Dolgener says they will begin further contract negotiations with WCS officials.

"The Court still has a right not to do it. Three votes doesn't mean we will or we won't." Dolgner said it's up to the County Commissioners to authorize the bonds and the process may take a couple months.

Some environmental groups argued the WCS expansion project, a low-level radio active waste disposal site, is not safe. Company officials defend the site and say work may start as early as the end of June.

"25 People can ask for a recount and they need to get it." Jones said. "It's done and it's behind us now."

In the "No Bonds for Billionaires" camp, the close election is still a victory.

"I think this should wake up the Commissioners and the City Council and all of the other officials that not everyone in Andrews supports WCS," Melodye Pryor said.

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