Florence Council Election Clears Way for Mayoral Showdown

The November 5th Election results for Florence City Council surprised candidates and voters alike. Just two years into her retirement after serving twenty-four years as Mayor, Diane Ewing Whalen was elected to serve as Vice Mayor of Florence, dominating nearly all voting precincts. 

Still processing the results, Whalen is encouraged by the support; “I’m grateful that so many of the voters believe my service to the community of Florence is still valuable, and I look forward to being a voice and a part of the decision-making for the city I have always called home.” Vocal resident Angie Cable also earned a seat on the city’s governing body, a surprise to many, including Cable. “My win was a big surprise. I received incredible support along the way, with many people sharing that it often takes a few attempts to make it but, encouraging me not to give up if this year wasn’t my time.” 

Whalen and Cable will serve alongside Patricia Wingo, Gary Winn, David A. Osborne, and Lesley Chambers. Chambers, elected to a second term, said she is looking forward to welcoming the new members when they take the oath of office December 17th. “As always, we must work together to make the city a better place to live and work. I will continue to advance the goals of citizens, specifically focusing on community services, and the health and safety of residents.”

Cable is ready to hit the ground running but cautions those who feel she may vote favorably with establishment members; “I value the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and finding common ground; but I will never compromise the interests of the residents. My priority will always be the people of our community. I will actively engage with all constituents to ensure I properly represent them”

Council Members Jenna Kemper and Mel Carroll did not earn enough votes to retain a seat on council. Whalen, who focused her campaign on institutional knowledge and historic preservation, will be the bridge to the city’s past moving forward. “My goal is to share my knowledge and experiences, both good and bad, with anyone who asks,” said Whalen. “As our community changes, it’s important to remember who we are, what we’re here to do and why we do it.”

Cable, in her first term, will focus on bringing the community together to achieve positive outcomes. “I approach every role with a commitment to open communication and collaboration. My focus will always be on working together with all members of our local government to serve our community. Ultimately, it’s not about me or my colleagues — it’s about being the voice of the residents who elected us.”

As for the former Mayor, Whalen agrees that the citizens are the priority, sharing her goal for continued success; “Different thoughts and different opinions are good. At the end of the day there will be times we agree to disagree. My hope is that we can do that with civility and respect.”

Brian Kinross, Jonathon Trimble and former member Kelly Huff did not earn enough votes to be seated on council. Trimble, who ran for council hoping to be a voice for diversity, said of his fellow candidates who did earn enough votes; “The voters have spoken, and I respect the outcome and results of this election. I feel confident that you will do your very best to represent all of Florence and its residents as you move forward to do your work and serve on City Council.”

With many important decisions on the horizon, one thing is certain - citizens in Florence are engaging in larger numbers - and this group of leaders will face the most vocal calls for transparency in city history. On November 5th, Whalen earned more votes than any candidate in the last two elections, including the Mayoral race of 2022. The next Mayoral election is in 2026, and many already suspect there will be a showdown between current Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubouchon and Whalen. 

Though several council members have stated they have no intention of running for Mayor, and though Whalen herself hasn’t made any public statement on the matter, the golden rule of politics remains unchanged; you always say you aren’t running – until you run!

The members will be sworn in to office December seventeenth.