Collierville has its first runoffs in 17 years, and voters can cast their ballots for alderman Position 3 and Position 4 in early voting starting Wednesday.

Monday afternoon, the Shelby County Election Commission certified votes from the Nov. 3 election. The town charter requires a runoff when a candidate for alderman does not receive more than 50% of votes cast.

Collierville runoff early voters get first use of new voting system starting Wednesday

John Worley, the incumbent Position 3 alderman, received more than 45% of votes cast. He hopes to retain his seat against challenger Harold Booker. 

Worley, a resident since 1983, is a homebuilder, and sometimes is criticized by residents for his connection to developers. But his 2020 financial disclosures show no money from those currently developing in the community. He also noted he turns down projects due to his understanding of the industry. He is proud of how he challenges developers, asking them to pay many costs so the town does not incur them. Worley was first elected to the position in 2012 and his seeking his third term as alderman. 

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Booker received nearly 43% of the Nov. 3 votes and has run on the platform of a change in direction for Collierville. Booker, a U.S. Army retiree, served more than a decade on the Southridge Homeowners Association board. He believes the board needs diversity and his supporters question Worley. A previously proposed residential component of the Oliver’s Crossing development and other projects south of Tenn. 385spurred him to run. He has aligned himself with William Boone who is seeking Position 4. 

The Position 4 alderman’s seat is open due to the death of Tom Allen last summer. The timing of his death allowed the remaining two years to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. Six ran on, but Missy Marshall received 31.5% of votes cast for the position, while Boone came in second with 27.1%. 

Boone has said he is running to “protect this city.” The former firefighter is a lifelong resident but has challenged the current board throughout the campaign. He wants Collierville to retain its charm as it grows. He believes the town is large enough to split into districts, which would require amending the charter, a move that would require state legislature approval and local ratification by two-thirds of the Collierville board. Current aldermen have said they must look for the best of the entire town and if divided into districts, aldermen would only care about their part of town.

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Marshall has a history of public service. She served under three different Tennessee governors and is the executive director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful. She was involved in various organizations in Collierville. She previously was on the Tourism Commission and Design Review Commission and currently serves on the Planning Commission. Throughout her campaign, she stated she wants her servant leadership experience to “preserve the quality of life (residents have) come to love and appreciate” in Collierville.

Collierville voters to decide 2 races in Dec. 8 runoffs

Early voting begins Wednesday and runs until Dec. 3. Election Day for the runoff is Dec. 8. The two aldermen positions are the only items on the ballot.

More related stories:

Booker, Swan challenging Worley for Collierville Alderman Position 3

Six seeking Alderman Position 4; runoff likely

Residential component eliminated at Oliver’s Crossing