May wins big in Jasonville Ward 1

In Jasonville's Ward 1 city council race, incumbent Kent May (R) defeated Drew Landry (D) 194-109 in Tuesday's election.

May, who was first appointed to the council to fill the seat vacated by Dana Coverstone, will begin his 11th year on the council.

"I knew it was going to be close," May said Tuesday evening after the polls closed. "I knew Drew had a respectable following."

While campaigning, residents voiced their concerns over issues they believed were important.

"Upon going door to door campaigning and talking to people, what a lot of people have problems with are abandoned properties and homes that need to be condemned," May said.

Residents complained that abandoned properties and homes that need to be condemned are lowering their property value.

May said he would like to see the statutes regarding these issues enforced.

Bringing businesses back into the community is something May would like to see done during his next term on the council.

During the course of the day, May said, he had the opportunity to speak with his opponent.

"I commend him for trying to make a difference in his community at such a young age," May said of Landry, a 2001 graduate of Shakamak High School. "I wish him the best of luck."

Landry, who graduated from the University of Evansville with a bachelor's of science degree in social studies, said he enjoyed his first political race.

"It was awesome. I enjoyed everything about it," he said. "It was a tremendous experience for me."

While campaigning, Landry said he met a lot of people while knocking on doors, and admitted he would miss going door-to-door.

Like May, Landry also spoke highly of his opponent.

"Kent is a real class act," he said.

May, a life-long Jasonville resident, is a 1993 graduate of Shakamak High School, a U.S. Army veteran, and a 1994 graduate of Musicians Institute.

For the past 15 years, he has worked at GE Aviation as an aerospace technician. He is also a member of the Assembly of God Church and has several hobbies, especially baseball which he has coached for nine years.

May and his wife, Nicole, are the parents of three children.