Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A small number of voters in the towns of Williston and Hilda cast ballots in special elections.
One vacant council seat was on the ballot for each town’s election on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Town of Williston
Alyson H. Collins will fill the vacant seat on the Williston Town Council after receiving 192 votes out of 323 in total at the January 31 special election.
Collins received nearly 60% of the votes while fellow candidates Judy Myrick Taylor and Margo Huggins received 34.67% and 5.88%, respectively. The total voter turnout in Williston was 15.75%, according to official election results.
Collins takes the seat previously held by the late William Toney Jr. who passed away last year.
“I’m overwhelmed and so pleased to have been elected to serve the Town of Williston on town council,” said Collins. “I’d like to congratulate Judy Taylor and Margo Huggins for their efforts during the campaign and say what a joy it was to run alongside two wonderful women.”
“I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to my friends and family for their support, and to everyone who cast a ballot during this election. I meant it when I said I’d work hard for our town and I look forward to working with the council, mayor, and all of our citizens for the betterment of Williston,” said Collins.
Collins hopes to learn from current council members and use the experience she has gained through serving on other committees and boards in town.
“I would like to see us work towards beautification for our little town working with some local groups and I'd love to see new housing and businesses. We desperately need a daycare in town and I'd love for someone to make that a reality for us. I can only promise you that whatever I can do honestly and fairly, I'll give it 110%,” said Collins.
Collins will be sworn in at the Williston Town Council meeting on Monday, February 13.
Town of Hilda
Allison Still Beasley was elected to the Hilda Town Council. Beasley was the only candidate on the ballot, and received all 11 votes. The voter turnout was 4.33% out of 254 registered voters.
Beasley will fill the seat previously held by Darlene Falso who resigned last year.
