Judge to settle mayoral dispute

Judge to settle mayoral dispute

MADISON COUNTY – A judge in New Castle has been appointed to oversee a challenge brought by five Anderson residents over the eligibility of Kris Ockomon to serve as the city’s new mayor. Ockomon, a Democrat, upset incumbent Kevin Smith, a Republican, in the November election. The five plaintiffs filed suit against Ockomon Dec. 28, claiming he did not live within the city limits as required by state election regulations. They also had sought an injunction that would have prevented Ockomon from being sworn in. That was denied. Smith on Jan. 1 said he would not step down as mayor because of the pending lawsuit. He did turn over the keys to his office once Ockomon was sworn in. Madison Superior Court Judge Dennis Carroll recused himself, saying a local judge might be perceived as biased. The newly appointed judge, Michael Peyton from nearby Henry County, will hear the case March 31. The dispute over who is the rightful mayor of Anderson has attracted national attention. City officials were recently contacted by the syndicated talk show “Dr. Phil,” hosted by psychologist Phil McGraw. McGraw wanted Ockomon and Smith to be on the show, where he would help settle the dispute. Both sides declined.