There will be three new faces serving on Burnettown Town Council next January as a result of Tuesday's election. Incumbent Mayor Wayne Benson was defeated in his reelection bid by political newcomer C.H. Williams, by an 82-vote margin. Williams received 217 votes, Benson 135, town councilman Wayne New 24 and Billy Rearden received 15 votes.

"We need to listen to the people, and they'll tell us what direction we need to go," Williams said. "The people who voted against me are just as important as the people who voted for me. They'll receive the same consideration."

Williams was one of the three candidates endorsed by the Horse Creek Merchants Association.

Before being elected mayor, Benson had served as a town councilman. Benson, New and Councilman James McIntosh all voted in favor of the municipality's Business License Ordinance that drew the ire of many of the town's business owners and citizens.

"I appreciate the support I received from the citizens of Burnettown in the past, and those who supported me in the election," Benson said. "I hope the town continues to go forward. I wanted the town to change and for it to continue to grow so we could have things for our children and grandchildren. I appreciate the support of the town's employees during my time on council and as mayor."

Earl Couch and Chuck Mason were elected to the town council seats. Both candidates had been endorsed by the Horse Creek Merchants Association. The seats are currently being held by New and McIntosh who finished third in the voting.

"I want to thank the community and the Horse Creek Merchants Association for their support," Couch said. "We'll work with the citizens and listen to what they have to say before making a decision."

Of the six candidates who were running for council, Couch received 198 votes, Chuck Mason 181, McIntosh 143, Karen Long 105, Sharon Gagnon 72 and David Wise 49.

"I was certainly disappointed at not winning," New said. "We'll have to sit back and wait and see what happens. I expect things to be a lot different than they have been in the past."