MONTICELLO — Only one alderman was defeated here in the town’sfirst election since the mayor and entire board of aldermen werereplaced in 1997.

Even this, however, failed to draw people to the polls.Approximately 360 of the town’s 1,095 registered voters cast theirvote Tuesday, according to Town Clerk Ruth Spicer. She expected theelection to be certified Thursday morning.

Challenger Steve Moreman defeated incumbent Ward 2 Alderman EdMelzer 57 to 36, in complete but unofficial totals, to slightlychange the board’s makeup.

Incumbent Mayor Dave Nichols defeated Prodous May 249 to 115,and incumbent Ward 4 Alderman Pete Mathews defeated Ricky Sykes 76to 38 to recapture their posts.

Aldermen Jerry Goode, George Magee and Dick Reeves in wards 1, 3and 5 were unopposed.

Melzer, who is retired, said he was sorry he lost, but hadconfidence his opponent would do well for the town.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me over the lastfour years, and I think Steve will do a good job over the next fouryears,” he said.

Melzer said the board accomplished a lot of good things in histime on it, and he was proud to have served the town. His one wishas he left office was that the long-term programs would continue tobe supported.

“I don’t want to say I’m glad it’s over, but I am,” Moremansaid. “I want to thank everyone who voted for and supportedme.”

Moreman said he intends to do his best and to continue many ofthe programs Melzer supported while bringing his own ideas to thetable. He also wished his opponent the best in times to come.

“I grew up next door to Ed,” Moreman said. “He was my friendyesterday and he is my friend today. I wish him the best.”

The mayor said he will miss Melzer’s presence in theboardroom.

“I’ll miss Ed Melzer and the ideas he brought to theadministration, but I look forward to the opportunity to work withSteve Moreman and to hear his ideas for improving Monticello,” saidNichols, who won his second term Tuesday.

“I’m very excited about the next four years,” he said. “Evenwith the low turnout, I believe by winning with 70 percent of thevote that the fine people of Monticello have faith and confidencein the leadership of our town.

“I would to like to commend Mr. May for running a hard race andwish him nothing but the best of luck in the future,” he added.

In Silver Creek, all incumbents retained their posts, but thetown can still claim three new aldermen.

Incumbent Mayor James L. Davis defeated challenger Sherman V.Ward 77 to 14 to keep his post.

In alderman races, the top five vote getters are elected to thepost. Six people were vying for office this election in a fieldfull of newcomers.

Three of the five alderman positions were left vacant with thedeath of L.R. Fortenberry last month and decisions by incumbentsRaymond Fortenberry and Gerald Langston not to rerun.

Newcomer Kevin Hartzog captured a majority of the votes with 85,but was followed closely by incumbents Catherine Jones (80) andColleen Yelverton (79). Daryl Morgan (74) and Joe Davis Sr. (72)were also elected. William C. Martin, with 51 votes, wasdefeated.