Joshua Wagner easily wins re-election for dist. 2 county council seat

Top graphic by Headline Surfer Muiltimedia Editor Serafina King Frederick / Joshua Wagner easily wins re-election over former Ponce Inlet Mayor Nancy Epps in the general election.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The results are even sweeter the second time around for Joshua Wagner with a resounding re-election victory in Tuesday's general election to retain his district 2 seat on the Volusia County Council.

"When you're up again for election, the voters either agree or disagree with your performance," Wagner said. "In my opinion, that's a day of hiring or firing. It's nice to know I've been re-hired for another four years."

Wagner barely beat Epps in his maiden run four years ago by less than half a percentage point, but his nearly 5 percent margin of victory this time around was the barometer he said clearly shows the voters in his district are pleased with his representation.

Though the county council seats are non-partisan, Wagner, a registered Democrat, is keenly aware his party's 6-1 Democratic advantage on the council is now a slim 4-3 majority in the wake of Tuesday's general election.

Still, Wagner said he likes the new make-up.

"I think it will be fine," he said. "Everyone on there is pretty fiscally conservative."

Epps said she was disappointed by the results, but was pleased to receive the support of so many for a second consecutive run. 

"I want to thank the 48 percent of the voters who did vote for me and, of couse, thanks to my very hardworking supporters," Epps said, adding she will continue to be involved in "giving back to the community -- I'm  going to stay involved."

As for whether she'd make a third run in four years ar pursue another elected office, Epps said she wouldn't rule anything out, but didn'tseem too keen on the idea. 

"Negavity creeps in to the most positive campaigns," Epps said, but quickly added she appreciated all of the opporunities that cam her way to be heard, including Headline Surfer's public candidate debate between the two on Oct. 21, in the Port Orange City Council chambers.

Wagner said he, too, was apreciative of the 24/7 Internet newspaper's debate, the final of three that night. In all, Headline Surfer sponsored and moderated 15 public candidate debates.

Fast Facts:

# The Dist. 2 seat includes representation of South Daytona, Daytona Beach Shores, Wilbur-by-the-Sea and Ponce Inlet. It also includes parts of Daytona Beach, Port Orange and unincorporated Volusia County;

# The six County Council members are paid $40,885 annually; the county chair makes $49,062.

Previous Related Coverage: 

Our endorsement: Joshua Wagner deserves second term for county council dist. 2 seat

Headline Surfer is the 24/7 Internet newspaper in New Smyrna Beach covering Volusia County and beyond accessed via HeadlineSurfer.com, NSBNews.net and VolusiaNews.net and always free with no subscriptions fees like those in print media.