FAIRMONT — Mayor Charles Kemp easily held off a challenge Tuesday from former Commissioner John R. “Ronnie” Jackson to win his second four-year term as mayor.

With 43 percent of Fairmont’s 2,086 registered voters casting ballots, Kemp received 573, or 63 percent, of the votes. Jackson received 329, or 36 percent, of the votes cast.

Voters on Tuesday also re-elected two incumbents and one political newcomer — out of a field of five candidates — to serve four-year terms as town commissioners. The two high vote getters were incumbents Bobby Charles Townsend and Wayland B. Lennon III. Townsend received 601 votes and Lennon received 473.

Newcomer Perry Tatum Ashley mustered 448 votes to win the third open seat over Terry Evans, 436 votes, and James “Rusty” Perry, 162 votes.

All votes are unofficial until certified next week.

“Tonight the people of Fairmont got what they wanted and deserve — progress and a bright future,” said Kemp, a retired educator said. “Now we can move forward with the progressive initiatives that we need to take.

“This election was about the direction our town wants to go. The vote indicates clearly that the people want our town to move forward. I’m just the vehicle they rallied behind to make this progress happen. We’ve got some really great things that are going to happen in this town over the next couple of years.”

Jackson, who served as a commissioner from 2003 to 2007 before losing his re-election bid, declined to comment about his loss to Kemp.

“I might have something to say tomorrow afternoon,” he said Tuesday night.

Ashley, a physical therapist, says that she is “ready” to serve.

“I feel that the people want to maintain the positive changes that have been made in Fairmont, and I want to continue that,” Ashley said. “To help Fairmont improve, we need economic development and growth. More jobs are needed. That would help out everyone.”

Evans said this morning that he plans to petition the county Elections Board for a recount.

“A recount is not automatic, but he is within the 1 percent needed to allow for a recount,” said Dock Locklear, director of the Elections Board. “After he petitions for a recount, the board will decide if it wants to grant his request.”

__________________

Mayor

— (I) Charles Kemp: 573 votes

— John R. “Ronnie” Jackson: 329 votes

Board of Commissioners

— (I) Bobby Charles Townsend; 601 votes

— (I) Wayland B. Lennon III: 473 votes

— Perry Tatum Ashley: 448 votes

— Terry Evans; 436 votes

— James “Rusty’ Perry: 162 votes

(I) denotes incumbent; winners in bold.