Friday, Nov. 8, 2002 --

• The results of Tuesday’s elections have been confirmed. Charles “Chip” Dashiell and Anthony Sarbanes were elected at-large members of the Wicomico County Council. Gail Bartkovich beat Don Ewalt in District 3 and Marvin Long topped Ann Suthowski in District 4. Norm Conway and Bennett Bozman were the winners in District 38B while newcomer Page Elmore was the District 38A winner. The council results will give Democrats a majority and leadership. By just 982 votes out of more than 20,000 cast, voters approved a resolution supporting the switch to a County Executive form of government.
• VOICE Chairman Don Coffin, who was defeated in his bid for County Council on Thursday, said his loss is no reflection on either the organization or its future influence. VOICE propelled voter passage of a property tax revenue cap two years ago and has since come under criticism from schools and county government officials. “I lost because I was unable to resonate with the public that I am not anti-education and anti-government,” Coffin said. Another VOICE leader, John Palmer, was defeated in the September primary.
• Brenda Cox of Buddy’s Shell, who is leading an effort to force a recall election of the Mayor and City Council, said she gathered some 1,300 signatures while meeting with voters at the polls on Tuesday. That would get Cox to the half-way mark -- she needs signatures from 30 percent of the city electorate to advance her petition.
• The City Council met in closed session to review a lawyer’s investigation of Police Chief Allan Webster. No one will say what the out-of-town, specially hired attorney either reported or is investigating. “Closed sessions are just that,” explained City Councilwoman Rachel Polk.
• Ground was broken at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center for the new Wicomico County War Memorial. Expected to coat about $200,000, the monuments will include the names of Wicomico County citizens killed in military action. On hand for the groundbreaking were Nash Stredwick, memorial organizer; Susie Ragan, Maryland Committee for POW/MIA; Maurice Truitt, past commander of American Legion Post 64; Denny Bowers of Maryland Veterans Job Services; and John Skelton, Vice Commander of VFW Post 194.
• Lewis “Casey” Parsons, 81, was awarded the Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. A Pittsville native, Parsons is the father of Salisbury Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman. He was saluted for his volunteering and dedication in helping Meals On Wheels, the PTA, Lions Club and VFW transportation programs.