Henry County elects first black woman to lead commission board

Republican June Wood was elected chairman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, becoming the first African-American woman elected to the county’s top seat.

The 53-year-old retired Georgia Power employee defeated Democrat Carlotta Harrell, also African-American, by a sizable margin. It is the first time an election in Henry has pitted two African-Americans for the top job.

The race illustrates the seismic change that has occurred in the southside county in recent years as more affluent African-Americans moved to the area for affordable homes and good schools and began taking part in the political process.

Wood said she will focus on public safety, transportation infrastructure and high-quality jobs. Wood and her husband, Michael, have two daughters and five grandchildren. They have lived in Henry for 14 years.

Democrat Harrell is a retired law enforcement vet with government experience.

Also on Tuesday, Stockbridge got a new mayor after a year of being without one.

Political newcomer Judy B. Neal beat former Stockbridge city councilwoman Regina Lewis-Ward. Stockbridge has been without a mayor since last December, when Tim Thompson abruptly resigned.

Neal is the former executive director of the Henry Council on Quality Growth and a former employee in the offices of the Secretary of State and Lt. Governor. Lewis-Ward is a retired employee with the New York Transit system.