By more than 2 to 1
(Pictured – Poll workers count ballots)
By David Meade
Williamston voters handily decided they want to keep the current Mayor-Council or strong mayor form of government the town currently operates under, voting more than two to one to keep it in the referendum today (Tuesday). A total of 351 voted no and with 148 voting yes. Of the Williamston Precinct voters, 236 said no, 93 yes. Calvary precinct vote was closer but still just under two to one with 94 saying no, to 53 yes. Of 23 total absentee votes, 21 said no and only 2 said yes to the change. (All totals are uncertified)
Williamston will continue operate under the strong mayor form of government in which the mayor makes executive decisions in day to day operations of the town and hiring.
Two of the the town’s three councilmembers who were in favor of the change, councilman Otis Scott and councilman Rockey Burgess were present for the ballot count held at Palmetto Middle School gym, but didn’t stay around for the final vote tally.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said there was excellent voter turnout for an election held in June and was obviously pleased with the results.
“We finally heard the voice of the community on this issue instead of just the three councilmembers,” he said. “I hope I can find as much approval with the council as I obviously have with the community.”
Duram said, “Our town needs to continue moving forward and can only do that with the voice and representation of the people.”
Durham said he wants to work with council and to have them work with him pointing to the community plan the town is currently in the process of developing with input from the community and other projects the town is involved in.
Durham, who is serving the second year of his first four year term at mayor said, “I believe this vote heralds the end of the good old boys in Williamston.”
