With a margin 474 votes, Mayor David Frings secured his third term as Alabaster mayor Tuesday by defeating challenger Marty Handlon, 55 to 42 percent.

Candidate Kevin Giles received 2 percent, while Larry Martin received 1 percent of the total vote.

“It’s a good feeling to win …but it’s also a big responsibility,” Frings said. “Winning a third term just makes me want to work even harder for the city and keep the progress going.”

Although disappointed by the low turnout, Handlon thanked all her supporters for making the race a close one.

“For a newcomer to go against a two-term incumbent and pull (42) percent is great,” Handlon said. “I hope this administration will take notice and listen to some of the issues we raised.”

Frings also was displeased with the turnout, which was approximately 20 percent of registered voters.

“In this country it seems like — the greatest country in the world — but one of the bad things is people don’t get involved,” Frings said. “I wish people would get more involved. This is everyone’s town that lives here.”

Martin unseats Workman

Political newcomer Sophie Martin became one of two new councilpersons Tuesday, unseating Ward 1 incumbent Jerry Workman, 55 to 45 percent.

Martin said she is ready to get to work.

“I will work hard for the residents of Ward 1 and the citizens of Alabaster,” Martin said. “I’m just really looking forward to the next four years.”

Workman thanked the citizens for allowing him to serve the past four years and he wished the city and the council nothing but the best in the future.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent Ward 1 and Alabaster for the last four years,” Workman said. “I want to see the city thrive and succeed and wish the new council all the best.”

McClain takes on third term

Ward 5 incumbent Jim McClain secured his third term on the city council Tuesday by defeating challenger Don Botta, 62 to 38 percent.

McClain thanked the Ward 5 citizens for entrusting him with another term on the council.

“The voters in Ward 5 spoke and they want to continue the success we’ve had,” McClain said. “They want to continue what we started in 2000.”

McClain said the new council must continue to bring new businesses into the city to keep the growth going into 2012, meaning more businesses means more tax dollars for the city and Alabaster’s schools.

“That’s what it’s all about,” McClain said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Botta also thanked those who came out in support of his campaign, although he was displeased with the overall turnout.

“I was quite surprised at how many people came out to vote,” Botta said.

Brakefield breaks onto council scene

In the race to replace outgoing councilman Mike Sherwood, Scott Brakefield took the win Tuesday night by defeating challenger Barbara Gore, 69 to 31 percent.

Brakefield thanked the residents of Ward 6 and his opponent for running a clean race.

“There will be a learning curve for me,” Brakefield said. “But my responsibility is to get into office and work for the residents of Ward 6 and the constituents of Alabaster.”

Gore said the residents of Ward 6 deserve the best and she wished Brakefield and the council future success.

“I thought whoever was the best for Ward 6 would win and I guess that was Scott,” Gore said.

Mayor

David Frings – 1826, 56 percent

Kevin Giles – 57, 2 percent

Marty Handlon – 1352, 41 percent

Larry Martin – 43, 1 percent

City Council

Ward 1

Sophie Martin – 280, 55 percent

Jerry Workman – 228, 45, percent

Ward 5

Don Botta – 230, 38 percent

Jim McClain – 375, 62 percent

Ward 6

Scott Brakefield – 303, 69 percent

Barbara Gore – 136, 31 percent