Two mayoral incumbents beat back challenges

The incumbents for mayor in four Oconee municipalities can look forward to new, four-year terms in office, provided last night’s results stand up to a certification review on Thursday. They are Danny Edwards in Walhalla, Brian Ramey in Westminster, Lynn Towe in Salem, and Linda Oliver in West Union. Oliver was an unopposed ballot candidate in the elections. Brian Ramey received 256 votes and challenger Susan Alexander Ramey, 148. In Walhalla, Edwards prevailed in a four-candidate field for mayor, with 216 votes. Dennis Owens had 111; Randy Chastain, 105; and Tjay Bagwell, 95. Owens said last night second place doesn’t get him the mayor’s office, but he can look forward to a hand in city government as his council term has two years remaining. Apparent winners for the three Walhalla council seats are incumbent David Underwood with 346; newcomer Sarai Melendez, 240; and incumbent Danny Woodward, with 222. However, Woodward’s margin was four votes over fourth finisher Keith Pace. And last night questions were raised as to whether that margin would dictate a vote re-count and whether what’s believed to be a handful of un-counted provisional votes might change their finish. There are going to be three new faces on the Westminster City Council. Two of them are former councilmen. Danny Duncan topped the 10-candidate council field with 188 and Rusty Cater was close behind with 184. A third seat goes to political newcomer Brad Chastain, with 176 votes.  Unopposed Salem council candidates–Judy Hines and Kevin Talley–were re-elected without ballot opposition.