By STEPHEN DAWKINS

Staff Writer

HOOVER – A whirlwind of a week ended with Casey Middlebrooks taking his place as the newest member of the Hoover City Council.

Middlebrooks was the apparent winner of the election for Place 6 on the council on Aug. 23, but because the margin over Jason DeLuca was only nine votes, Middlebrooks had to wait on the results of provisional ballots.

After provisional ballots were counted, Middlebrooks’ margin shrunk to five votes.

Then, DeLuca requested a recount, which was performed Sept. 2.

Hoover City Clerk Margie Handley said the recount took about five hours.

Jefferson County Chief of Elections Keith Harris brought in seven machines and seven Jefferson County employees, who fed ballots into the machines.

Present at the recount were Handley, Middlebrooks and his attorney, an attorney representing DeLuca and other representatives.

“It was an education for me,” Middlebrooks said about the process. “I don’t think the city has ever done a recount. This is all-new territory for all of us.”

The final election results were unchanged after the recount.

“I was happy with the verification process and knowing how every vote counts and how accurate our voting process is,” Middlebrooks said. “I think everyone can feel good about their vote. Now, I’m looking forward to serving.”

During the Sept. 6 council meeting, Middlebrooks was appointed to finish the Place 6 term left vacant with the passing of Brian Skelton in July. He was sworn in at the meeting by Municipal Court Judge Thomas Brad Bishop.

“It is unfortunate that I get a head start in my duties due to the passing of Mr. Brian Skelton; I pray I honor his family and his service to our city in my tenure,” Middlebrooks said in a Facebook post.

Middlebrooks said the council waited on the results of the election to appoint someone to the seat.

In November, Middlebrooks will be sworn in for another term along with other newcomers to the council.

Middlebrooks said he does not foresee much change until the new council and mayor, Frank Brocato, take over in November.

“I just want to work with the current council as best I can,” he said. “I also want to try to improve a little bit on transparency and community involvement.”