Chandler Endorses Joe Eatmon in Runoff for West Tuscaloosa Council Seat

Two weeks out from a runoff election for the city council seat in Tuscaloosa's District 1, the challenger has earned the endorsement of the candidate he narrowly edged out of the race earlier this month.

As the Thread previously reported, Joe Eatmon, the Dean of Community Relations at Shelton State Community College, earned just six votes more than community activist Que Chandler when Tuscaloosa voters went to the polls on March 4th.

That locks Eatmon into a runoff election against incumbent Rev. Matthew Wilson on April 1st.

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Wilson is pastor of the Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Marion and is seeking his second term representing District 1 on the city council. He has also served a four-year term on the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education.

Wilson earned 408 votes in the municipal election last month, which was more than either challenger but not the plurality he needed to win without a runoff.

On Tuesday, Eatmon's campaign announced that Chandler has endorsed him against Wilson when District 1 settles the matter in April, noting that more people cast ballots against Wilson than for him.

“As most of you know, the most important thing to me is the future of District 1,” Chandler said in a press release. “I want to thank so many of you for your support and your vote. While my name will not appear on the run-off ballot, Joe Eatmon's name will and he shares my vision of a better future for District 1 and has my support. The most important thing we can do is participate in the election on April 1st. Together, we can create the positive change that District 1 needs. Let’s make sure our voices are heard."

Eatmon is making his first foray into politics after over a decade at Shelton State, including a six-year term as its head basketball coach. He criticized recent economic decline in West Tuscaloosa's District 1 and said the rate of violent crime and homicide there is not acceptable.

“I appreciate Que’s dedication to the district and her support,” Eatmon said. “Working together, I think we can accomplish great things for our area and give our citizens the representation they have earned and deserve. More opportunities, better schools and safer neighborhoods - those are my priorities for District 1."

The runoff election will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, for those voters who live in Tuscaloosa's District 1.