Esther Helton will become only the third woman to serve on the East Ridge City Council as she polled the highest in a seven-person field in Tuesday’s Municipal Election.
Political newcomer Brian Williams edged former Vice Mayor Jim Bethune by a scant 37 votes to join Helton on the new council.
Unofficial result show Helton led the way with 3,424 votes, followed by Williams with 2,404 and Bethune with 2,367.
Doris Rogers, in her second bid for office, finished fourth with 1,591 votes, followed by Matthew DeGlopper (1,447), Robert Stahl (1,137) and Gregg Shipley (998).
“I’m very happy to be the top vote-getter,” Helton said after the election. “I’m proud of that. It’s an honor and a privilege.
“I want to thank my mom and step-dad, my daughter Lisa and Cleo Gravitt, who did so many things. I know I’m leaving some people out, but I want to thank my sons, Lee and Kip, for their moral support.”
Helton said she attributed the win to going door-to-door and meeting voters face to face. She said she made many “new friends” by knocking on doors and asking for voters’ support.
“One thing different that I think I will bring to the table is that I will always listen,” Helton said. “That’s one thing I promised during the campaign, I will always listen to the people.”
Williams said he was “honored with the confidence that the citizens have placed in me to serve this great city.”
Williams, like Helton, said he knocked on a bunch of doors and attended numerous events where he talked to the voting public.
“Being new to the political arena, I had some concerns,” he said of his chances of winning. “I’m excited to help move this city forward.”
Helton will become only the third woman to serve on the East Ridge City Council since its inception. Marsha Heath was elected to the first council after the change from a commission form of government. Debbie Triplett was appointed to fill a vacant seat and ran a successful campaign for election.
Marc Gravitt (R), outdistanced his Democratic opponent, Katie Cowley, by more than a two-to-one margin to win re-election to his State House District 30 seat.
Incumbent State Senator Todd Gardenhire (R) narrowly defeated Khristy Wilkinson for a second term representing District 10.
