Brownwood City Council canvassed the votes for the June 13th runoff election between incumbent Eddie Watson and challenger Ed McMillian for the Ward 2 seat of the council on Tuesday, welcoming McMillian to the council.
Votes of 355 voters were canvassed with a reading of the results by City Secretary Christi Wynn. Eddie Watson received 128 votes or 49.81% in early voting and 47 or 49.47% on Election Day for a total of 175 or 49.72%. Ed McMillian received 129 votes in early voting and 48 or 50.53% on Election Day for a total of 177 or 50.28%. The difference of 2 votes determined the election. Wynn stated there were three voters who entered the election booth without casting a vote, according to Wynn. McMillian served on the Brownwood City Council several years ago.After council unanimously approved an ordinance of the canvassing the tabulated election results from the election, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes welcomed McMillian back to the council.
“I’ve often felt that we were going to have a time period where there was no councilman McMillian, but it didn’t last long,” joked Mayor Haynes. “Congratulations to you.”
“It feels great, I’m happy to be back on,” said McMillian. “I’m looking forward to working with the current city council and new city manager.”
McMillian stated that he knew it would be a close race so he really worked to get his supporters to the poll.
“It was close but I knew it would be. When you have two good people running for one position, you have to expect that,” said McMillian. “Eddie was a good councilman and it showed in the votes. Every vote counts, especially in civic elections with low turnout.”
Mayor Haynes recognized Watson for his service to the city with a presentation of a plaque of appreciation.
Watson stated that he was honored to serve the city and enjoyed working with all of the councilmen through the years.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The five years was gone almost immediately.” He stated that his wife was very supportive through those years until her death last year. “I have loved the people that I have worked with. We have had absolutely no problems. I am very disappointed that I didn’t win but I just didn’t get enough people out to vote.”
Watson stated that it was a very close race but that he felt Ed will do a great job. “It’s time for me to move on. The good Lord’s got something else for me to do.” He stated that he will continue to be involved as a local Shriner and that he loves everything he has been involved in locally.
Pictured above is McMillian taking the Oath of Office. Below is Watson with the council members after the presentation.
