Cloverdale voters back incumbents, former mayor

Two incumbents and a former mayor were winning the race for three seats on the Cloverdale City Council with all three precincts counted Wednesday morning.

Councilman Joe Palla was leading the field with 24.1 percent of the vote. His council colleague, Carol Russell, followed with 22.2 percent of the vote.

And Gus Wolter, a former three-time mayor and retired banker, had 19.8 percent.

Challengers Michele Winterbottom, the former Cloverdale city clerk, and newcomer Jude Gibson-Byers were trailing at 17.5 percent and 16 percent.

Economic development has been a key issue in the race this year with the candidates taking different positions on how to welcome new businesses.

Palla and Russell have said it’s easy to describe the problem, but harder to get results. Both had listed a strong local economy and a “business friendly” City Hall in their top priorities.

One challenge for the town of 8,600, Palla has said, is less sales tax revenue and bed taxes due to fewer businesses and hotels compared to other cities. He and Russell point to some signs of improvement with new businesses and restaurants.

Wolter would be making a comeback after losing a bid for re-election two years ago. An opening for him was created when incumbent Mike Maacks chose not to run for re-election.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@press?democrat.com. On ?Twitter @ppayne.