The official results are in and Tuesday’s election marked the biggest voter turnout to date for a city election in Richmond Hill, according to Bryan County elections superintendent Sam Davis. 1,014 ballots were cast, which beats 960 votes for the mayor and council election in 2005.

Davis said everything went relatively smooth, but there was a bit of confusion with the fact that you had to vote at two different locations for the senate and city races – a fact mandated by Georgia law.

In addition to Harold Fowler defeating Floyd Hilliard for mayor of Richmond Hill, three city council seats were decided.

Richmond Hill High School teacher Russ Carpenter, who defeated Darryl Petermann to fill Hilliard’s vacated Post 1 seat, said he arrived into his classroom Wednesday to a standing ovation from his students. Carpenter teaches government, and he said he is excited to have the chance to play an active role in the government of his hometown.

"I got congratulated all day long from various students and staff and, let me tell you, it’s a good feeling," Carpenter said. "I’m ready to get going. I know I can work well with our new mayor, Van Hunter, Jimmy Hires and Marilyn Hodges. Richmond Hill is a good city, but there’s still room for improvement."

-Read more in the Bryan County News.