Williamston voters choose Burgess for mayor

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In the Williamston Municipal Election, challenger Rockey Burgess won the mayor’s seat, defeating incumbent mayor Mack Durham by 120 votes, 724 to 604.

“I would like to congratulate my opponent and thank everyone who supported me in the 2020 Mayor’s race,” Durham said, “I have run an honest and forthright campaign with character and integrity and accomplished all of my previous campaign promises. I have given my best. I have worked to set Williamston on a firm foundation of growth and sustainability and Williamston is now poised to become the vibrant and unique community we have all envisioned. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Williamston and for myself, as I shift my focus closer to home. It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor and I am excited about the future of our town. Thanks!”

Burgess said, “A few months ago, I offered myself as a candidate for mayor of our beloved town. The decision to run for mayor was not a decision that I took lightly. Since my announcement to seek the office of mayor I have been to every corner of our town, I met with our people, looked them in the eye, shook their hand, and asked them for their vote. When the results came in last evening, I admit that it was surreal.”

“I am honored and tremendously humbled by your confidence in my ability to lead our town forward. Thank you! Thank you also to Mayor Mack Durham for his vision and his leadership over the last 8 years. Under his leadership, our town has accomplished much but I know that there is still much left to do. We are on the right track for a prosperous future and with the help of your council, I will work hard every day to make Williamston the best that it can be. I know that the best is truly yet to come. May God Bless each of you and may God continue to bless our town – the town that I am proud to call home.”

Incumbent councilman Chris Alexander received 1097 votes for his Ward 4 seat. He was unopposed. Newcomer Tabitha Austin received 1021 votes running unopposed for the Ward 3 seat. She will be the first female to serve on Williamston Town Council.

A special election will be scheduled probably in March to fill the Council Ward 2 seat that will come open when Burgess takes office as mayor in January. Lee Cole, who currently serves as the town attorney, said he plans to file
to run for the seat.

(Pictured Above) – Campaigning for dad
Sophie and Channing Burgess hold campaign signs for their dad, Rockey Burgess who was running for mayor in Williamston. Burgess won the seat, defeating incumbent mayor Mack Durham by 120 votes. (Photo by Mike Gowan)