Voters in three North Gwinnett cities headed to the polls today to cast their ballots in several contested races. Buford, Sugar Hill and Suwanee held municipal elections to fill board of education, mayoral, and city council posts.
BUFORD
Board of Education Seat (To replace Pat Pirkle)
WINNER: Kathleen Welch — 839
Lien Diaz — 205
Running unopposed for Buford City Commission were incumbents Chris Burge and Brad Weeks. Incumbent Bruce Fricks ran unopposed for the Buford Board of Education.
SUGAR HILL
City Council Post 3 (To replace Susie Walker)
WINNER: Jenn Thatcher — 538 votes
Tiffany Hale Carter — 497 votes
City Council Post 4
WINNER: Nic Greene (incumbent) — 637 votes
Amber Chambers — 359 votes
In Sugar Hill’s election, city council member Brandon Hembree ran unopposed for the mayor’s office. Mason Roszel will take Hembree’s council seat after running unopposed for Council Post 1. Councilman Taylor Anderson, who also ran unopposed, will retain his seat for Council Post 5.
SUWANEE
City Council Post 5
The race for Suwanee City Council Post 5 is headed for a run-off between David Martinez and Peter Charpentier, as neither candidate garnered the required 50% plus one vote to secure a win. The run-off will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30, with early voting starting Saturday, Nov. 20.
RUN-OFF CANDIDATE: David Martinez — 595 votes (48.4%)
RUN-OFF CANDIDATE: Peter Charpentier (incumbent) — 485 votes (39.5%)
Jonathan Marcantonio — 149 votes
Two candidates for Suwanee City Council ran unopposed for the seats they currently hold. Linnea Miller will retain Council Post 3, while Beth Hilscher will continue to serve in Council Post 4.
*Results are unofficial until certified by the respective cities.
FEATURED PHOTO: A sign for candidate Kathleen Welch stands in front of Buford City Hall. Welch was elected Tuesday to the Buford Board of Education. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Welch
