When the polls closed Tuesday at 7 p.m., 21.37 percent of Statham’s active voters had cast ballots in the city council election. They would keep two incumbents and voted in David Huth to fill the post being vacated by Edna Jackson, who did not seek re-election.

As Statham City Clerk Susan Gabriel, who serves as election superintendent, called out the names of the candidates receiving votes, poll worker Patti Powers made the hash marks for the tally.

“And last but not least,” said Gabriel as she prepared to read the final ballot, “Jeremiah Bennett and Gayle Steed.” Gabriel announced the top three vote-getters would be the winners.

When the final votes were tabulated, incumbent Betty Lyle received 124 votes, incumbent Gayle Steed garnered 103 votes and David Huth received 94.

In other balloting, Bennett received 68 votes, Susan Martin got 62 votes, Terry Tripp took 56 ballots, Betty Kinney garnered 52 and 51 votes went to Johnnie Ellington.

Huth said the chance to join the council is a good feeling, and he said he is ready for the challenge that will begin in January.

“I’m excited and ready to do,” said Huth.

Incumbents who retained their seats on the council, Lyle and Steed agreed that Huth will be a good addition to the council.

“He is down-to-earth with lots of common sense and good ideas,” said Lyle.

Steed said she was impressed by Huth and all the candidates at the forum. She said the race was a good one with everyone running a good race.

Looking ahead to four more years on the council, Lyle said she is hopeful 2010 will “bring some life to this town and get everyone back to work.”

She remains committed to being accessible to the citizens every day and taking their needs and concerns to the council.

Both Lyle and Steed said they were glad the hectic race was over but they enjoyed the excitement of having people interested in being involved in their government.

“We’ll be getting busy helping the businesses and working on the streets and water and other things which need work as we are battling with a lot less resources,” said Steed.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the people because this is home to me and I care about the people and this town,” said Steed.

Both incumbents said they appreciated the voters who came out.

“I appreciate everyone coming out and I appreciate their votes,” said Steed.

“I appreciate their confidence in me in putting me back in again,” said Lyle.

Gabriel said she was pleased with the voter turnout.