Two incumbent aldermen were returned to office an a thirdappeared to be for re-election following Tuesday’s Democraticprimary voting.

Ward One Alderman Dorsey Cameron was elected for his fourth termand Ward Three Alderman Mary Wilson was re-elected to her secondfour-year team. Neither has an opponent in the June generalelection.

Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates appeared to capture enough votesto avoid a runoff and win re-election from among a four-candidatefield. There is no other opponent in the general election, so theDemocratic primary winner will be elected Ward Two alderman.

Bates had a total of 175 votes at the end of Tuesday’s voting,with Vernastine Byrd bringing in 101 votes. Darryl White carried 52of Ward Two’s votes and Idella Sanders had 19.

Without affidavit ballots, Bates won outright by a total of 175to his opponents’ 172 total votes. City Clerk Mike Jinks said theaffidavit ballots will begin to be counted Wednesday afternoon.

“He’s got enough to avoid a runoff pending affidavits, but asmany people as we had that weren’t showing up on the books, I haveno clue (about a clear victory for Bates),” said Jinks, alluding toseveral problems that occurred at the polls throughout the day.

Bates said he is prepared to face a runoff if he must.

“In the next two weeks if I’m in the runoff, my strategy is toget out and campaign as hard as I have, and I’m hoping mysupporters will come back and support me in the runoff,” he said.”But if I’m elected outright, it feels good and I’m thankful toAlmighty God for everything He’s done for me and I’m happy to servemy people in Brookhaven and I feel good about it.”

Cameron, who beat challenger Elisa Corley with a total of 205votes to 140, said he tried to focus on running a clean andpositive campaign.

“I ran a good clean race and when it was all over the peopledecided who they wanted, and it was me again,” he said. “And nomatter what went on during the race, I’m the Ward One alderman, andwhen my people call on me, helping them out is my goal. I reallyappreciate the citizens of Brookhaven that were so much in supportof me.”

Wilson, who defeated challengers Brian Moore and RooseveltCollins by a margin of 252 to Moore’s 97 and Collins’ 61, said shewas glad to have the election behind her so she can focus onhelping her husband, the Rev. Jerry Wilson, in his campaign formayor.

“I thought it was a good voter turnout, and we’re asking thepeople to come back out on June 2 and support him again,” she said.”I feel great, I’m grateful and thankful, and I always want to givecredit to the citizens. Thank the Lord that they have enoughconfidence and trust in me to re-elect me.”

And all the candidates said they were glad to have the race overwith.

“It’s an exciting day, but it was a lot more when the votes werecounted,” Cameron said.