Bennett re-elected Mayor in Bramwell, Pike in Athens
BRAMWELL — Two incumbent mayors in Mercer County will return to office.
In the town of Bramwell, incumbent Mayor Grant Bennett overcame a challenge from two people Tuesday, including the former mayor, and was re-elected, according to unofficial returns.
Bennet, who will begin his second-term as mayor, won with 71 votes. He was challenged by Rodney Holcomb who garnered 41 votes and by former Mayor Louise Stoker, who received 28 votes.
'It will be my second term. I am pleased with the results and I'm looking forward to another two years of trying to do some good work in the town,' Bennett said.
Bennett, a retired member of the U.S. Air Force who is originally from Chattanooga, Tenn., said he didn't anticipate any major changes for the town over the next two years. However, one item he said that may be looked at is moving away from two-year terms for council to staggered four-year terms.
'I am pleased with the direction,' Bennett said. 'I don't foresee any changes. We hope to manage what we've got and improve it.'
Bennett said tourism has been an important part of Bramwell for decades now.
The town, which is known as the 'Home of the Millionaires,' gained fame for having the highest number of millionaires per capita in the United States during the late 1800s, with as many as 13 residing in the town during the early 20th century, according to the town's history. The annual tour of the homes of the millionaires continues to this very day.
However, in more recent years, the town has been associated with the region's ATV tourism engine and serves as the local trailhead of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system.
The results of two other contested races in the town were razor thin, and their final outcome could hinge upon the canvassing and certification of votes, which are set for June 16 and June 18.
In the race for recorder, Lathe Ellis received 61 votes and Susan Lance Troutner garnered 60 votes.
In the race for town council, five candidates were vying for eight seats on town council with one race being separated by two votes.
The apparent winners in unofficial returns were newcomer Sharon Workman, 102 votes; incumbent Jackie Shahan, 81 votes; newcomer Don Thompson, 76 votes; incumbent Dennis Marcello, 65 votes; and newcomer Elizabeth Brown Tillery, 62 votes. Close behind at 60 votes was incumbent Kelley Murphy Eller. Incumbent Charles Hawthorne had 57 votes; and Perry Love garnered 21 votes.
The election results were posted on the town of Bramwell's Facebook page and were confirmed Wednesday to the Daily Telegraph by Bramwell Town Clerk Crystal Bralley.
In the town of Athens, the races in Tuesday's election were uncontested.
Incumbent Athens Mayor Timothy Peak ran unopposed and was re-elected with 29 votes, according to the unofficial returns.
Two seats were up on the Athens Town Council and the winners were Travis Pace, 21 votes and James Blankenship, 27 votes.
The election results will be canvassed on Tuesday, June 17, according to Athens Town Clerk Debra Shorter.
Shorter said the candidates will be sworn in during the first council meeting in July.
The town of Athens is home to Concord University.
Contact Charles Owens at
cowens@bdtonline.com
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