Smith Defeats Incumbent Shearon In Watkinsville Mayor Race

Former state Representative Bob Smith defeated incumbent Watkinsville Mayor Dave Shearon by two votes on Tuesday in an election that brought out 39.6 percent of the active registered voters in the city.

Incumbent Council Member Connie Massey defeated Jonathan Kirkpatrick, with Massey receiving 52.8 percent of the vote.

City voters overwhelmingly approved an initiative allowing the Council to pass an ordinance adding an extra 90 minutes to the time restaurants can serve alcohol on Sunday, with 70.9 percent of the electorate voting Yes.

Smith led among those casting votes in early voting and by absentee ballots, 209 to 189, but Shearon received 211 votes in Tuesday voting, to 193 for Smith.

One of the 804 persons who voted wrote in a name, and one person did not vote in the mayoral race.

The final tally was 402 votes for Smith and 400 for Shearon.

For more on the story, please go to Oconee County Observations.