By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — In a tight race, Bill West retained the mayoral reins in Georgetown Saturday, earning a sixth consecutive term in turning back the challenge of Councilwoman Angela Townsend, who was seeking to become the town’s first woman mayor.

Mayor West received 379 votes to 345 for Ms. Townsend in the 10-hour election at Town Hall.

“It’s an honor to me, and the people that supported me, especially my wife. My wife has been the big supporter, right there for me the whole time,” said Mayor West. “God is good.”

Ms. Townsend opted to forgo a council reelection bid to run for mayor. She has been the council’s Third Ward representative since 2020, having previously served on council, from 2002 to 2005.

“It’s been ride. It’s been a challenge. But I did it. I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” said Ms. Townsend. “I’m kind of proud of what I have accomplished so far, the friendships I’ve made knocking on doors. I gave it a good run. I’m going to still be around. I’ll continue my work at the Historical Society, so I can stay on the board now.”

Mayor West served two years on Georgetown council prior to winning his first two-year term as mayor in 2014.

“I want to thank the people from the campaign against me. It was clean, no harsh words out here today,” Mayor West said. “It was great to come out with a win. I’ve got some things here in town I want to see finish. And I think the people appreciate what I have done for the 10 years and have given me an opportunity to continue.”

In the 2022 municipal election, Mayor West withstood a challenge from Ruth Ann Spicer by a 375-227 margin in earning a fifth mayoral term.

Ms. Townsend isn’t ruling a run for town government in the future. “A couple years down the road, who knows?” she said.

Unopposed this year are Councilman Penuel Barrett, who earned a third term as Ward 4 representative, and Eric Evans, who will assume the Ward 3 seat held by Ms. Townsend. Mr. Evans previously served on the town planning commission.

The verification of Saturday’s election was to be held Monday, May 13, Town Manager Eugene Dvornick announced.

Mayor West, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Barrett are to be sworn in at the Tuesday, May 28 mayor and council meeting.